Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

It was a stunning display that capped off a head spinning four months at the Department of Justice. Sitting before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, two current federal prosecutors, Aaron Zelinsky and John Elias, claimed under oath that on Attorney General William Barrs watch the department had effectively become a tool to advance the political and personal interests of Donald Trump and his administration. Its remarkable for a sitting career assistant U.S. attorney not only to assess that their work has been politically corrupted and that they must withdraw from a case or even resign from the department, David Laufman, a former Justice Department official, told me. But to take the extraordinary step of serving as a whistleblower and provide testimony to Congress about the wrong doing theyre seeing at the Justice Department.

Under oath, Zelinsky described a pressure campaign from the highest levels of the DOJ to curtail the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a veteran of the Trump administration and longtime ally of the president who was convicted of lying to Congress and witness tampering. In the United States of America, we do not prosecute people based on politics, and we dont cut them a break based on politics, Zelinsky, who worked on Special Prosecutor Robert Muellers team and is currently serving as an assistant U.S. attorney in Maryland, told the committee. But that wasnt what happened here. Roger Stone was treated differently because of politics.

Elias struck a similar theme, testifying that Barrs personal biases influenced antitrust investigations. Specifically, Elias alleged an abuse of power in probes into the marijuana industry and an agreement between the state of California and four automakers at the behest of the attorney general. Personal dislike of an industry is not a valid basis upon which to ground an antitrust investigation, Elias asserted.

The testimony of Elias and Zelinsky had the effect of completing the legal portrait of Barra person for whom there is no essential difference between belief in a strong executive and personally serving Donald Trump. Its breathtaking in its completeness. Theres no bulwark against corruptionseemingly in Barrs theory, the executive branch, of which the Department of Justice is a part, can take what it wants.

When Trump tapped Barr to lead the Justice Department, the pick drew praise from some, though he was viewed with skepticism from others. Having previously served as attorney general under George W. Bush, Barr was painted as an institutionalist who would hold his ground against Trump and restore the reputation of the department, tarnished under his predecessor Jeff Sessions. While there was widespread acknowledgment that Barr held an expansive view of executive power, few predicted his evolution into one of the presidents top defenders and loyalists. But it would be more apt to describe Barr as an opportunist who found in Donald Trump the perfect vehicle to empower the executive branch than a Trumpian lackeyeven if in practice the outcomes might seem indistinguishable. Barrs ideology just so happens to match Trumps politics.

Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said in a statement that Zelinsky did not have any discussion with the Attorney General, the U.S. Attorney, or any other member of political leadership at the Department about the sentencing and his testimony was based on his own interpretation of events and hearsay (at best), not firsthand knowledge. The Office of Professional Responsibility did look into the antitrust divisions probes of the marijuana company mergers and found no wrongdoing.

Barr set the tone for an unexpected Trumpian tenure in his handling of the Mueller report last year, when he chose to release a four-page letter effectively absolving the president and his campaign of wrongdoing. To many, the Mueller report moment marks when Barr crossed the Rubicon. The letter drew a rebuke from Mueller and his team. At the time, Barr was cast as doing Trumps bidding and whitewashing the Russia investigation. But in hindsight, his motives appear more insidious. His message wasnt that Trump didnt obstruct justice, but a president cant obstruct justice.

See original here:
The Guy Is With the Devil: The Rosemarys Baby Theory of Attorney General William Barr - Vanity Fair

Over a period of 40 years Tom Cook has grown his carpet business froma sole trader operating out of a van to the well-establishedcompanyit is today. A friendly, family-run business with his wife Linda and son Ashley and a team of specialist installers.

To this day the company still holds the initial values that Tom started out with, offering the best of retail values, quality of service, personal attention, and a genuine enthusiasm for their profession.

Rejecting the pile-it-high and sell it cheap ethos of many larger retailers, a visit to Tom Cooks Carpet showroom at Blackminster business park will convince you that you are in the right place. With specialist and knowledgeable staff, the main priority is to assist the client select the most suitable flooring for the location concerned; be it for the smallest room in the house to the complete home.

Fitted by Tom Cook Carpets

Tom and his team have also worked with and alongside interior designers and buyers offering advice and suggestions to achieve a particular look - one that will fit within the design concept- on both domestic and commercial projects.

Working within the clients budget Tom Cooks showroom offers an array of flooring from sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl tiles, carpets - both of natural and manmade fibres - wood laminate, engineered wood and solid wood, all available in a range of colours and designs to suit all tastes and needs. With every conceivable colour, pattern and design, you can be assured that you will be inspired to create a beautiful home whatever your taste desires.

Tom and his family have developed the kind of reputation that ensures a steady stream of customers who recognise the value of Toms family run business and their approach to customer care, experience and satisfaction.

Introducing a new face and skill set to Tom Cook Carpets, Martyn Hood is a new member of the Tom Cook team and has been involved in flooring most of his life he has now gained over 48 years experience in all types of flooring. From a very early age he received training from his grandfather and father on all aspects of installation of all types of flooring. He spent many years perfecting his trade before moving more towards the sales design and estimating side of the family run business. From here he learnt the importance of listening to the customers requirements and guiding them in the right direction to achieve their desired results.

Looking for a new challenge he procured a position with an interior designer in the Cotswolds, where over a period of 20 years, he developed his skills with colours and design on all types of soft furnishings. Working alongside one of the top interior designers in the area, he gained experience on many and varied projects from single rooms to complete houses, hotels and businesses, he offered help guidance and suggestions to achieve the desired results.

This is where Martyn first came into contact with Tom Cook Carpets some 30 years ago. A well-liked and respected local family run business with the same ethos as himself, ensuring that the customer satisfaction was of paramount importance and every job being of the highest standard. Working together on many prestigious projects they achieved the desired result.

Having spent many years working alongside each other for different companies Martyn decided to join Tom Cook Carpets to help grow and develop his company, by offering the same expertise he gave working for a designer, but in a more friendly relaxed environment. Martyn really enjoyed the time spent working with a caring family run business and for the customers that visited the show room.

Sadly Martyn moved on much to the disappointment of Toms son Ashley a leading light in the Tom Cooks organisation. After many years apart Martyn is returning to Tom Cook Carpets and is looking forward to seeing clients that he helped in the past and the excitement of assisting new clients to achieve their dreams of a beautiful home.

So if you have a flooring issue and no one else can help and if you can find him maybe you can get assistance from Martyn or Tom Cook. Give us a ring and maybe you can get book an appointment

Tom Cook Carpets not only offers free expert advice born from product knowledge and experience but also home visits, free measuring and quotation, together with an expert fitting service.

So, a visit to Tom Cook showrooms is a must it will convince you that you have come to the right place a friendly family run business. A company that cares and has the expertise and knowledge to offer something for every taste and budget. No matter how big or small your project is you can be assured of the same attention to detail and quality of service. A family run business with that extra personal touch, where the most important person is you.

You can contact the showroom Tom Cook Carpets on 01386 833766 to book an appointment to meet our experts and discuss your requirements or to arrange a home visit.

Tom Cook Carpets Limited, Unit 8c & 8d, Blackminster Business Park, Blackminster,Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7RE

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Familiar face returns to join the Tom Cook Carpets team - Tewkesbury ADMAG

Ever since anyone can remember, America has had a love affair with muscle cars. After all, the concept is uniquely American. Over the years, some muscle cars have fared better than others. In fact, there were muscle cars killed off by the gas crisis. Moreover, some muscle cars have gone completely forgotten just like American Motors Corporations AMX and the 2006 Pontiac GTO.

On the other hand, some muscle car models have gone on to live in infamy. As popular as they are thought, theyve also encountered some serious problems over the years. Check out what we managed to find:

The problem was detected in 2015 to 2017 year models of the Ford Mustang that come with the 5.0-liter engine. According to Fords technical service bulletin, Some 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit an oil leak from either valve cover gasket. This may be due to the valve covers warping due to excessive heat.

To solve this issue Ford decided to add fasteners to both of the cars valve covers. No other Ford cars were said to be affected by the problem.

Ford found this problem in 2015 Mustang units that were manufactured in its Flat Rock plant. According to its manufacturer notice, In some of the affected vehicles, the underbody temperature may exceed design limits under certain driving conditions. "

"If the fuel tank and vapor lines are exposed to elevated temperatures for a prolonged period of time, they may develop a fuel or vapor leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can lead to a fire. Exposed parking brake cable may also lead to disengagement problems in the parking brake.

RELATED:One Muscle Car That Wed Buy Over The New Mustang Shelby

This problem was detected in the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro and various other vehicle models from different car manufacturers. According to a noncompliance report filed by AJ motorsport in 2006.

The lamps, when manufactured, omitted the amber side reflex reflectors or were replaced with clear side reflectors. As a result, visual sight of oncoming vehicles is decreased or diminished, which may cause collisions or even death. The company also pointed out that there is no warning prior to experiencing reduced visibility on the road because of this issue.

The problem was found among 2003 to 2004 models of the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explained, In those vehicles where the floor carpeting does not fit flush with the sheet metal, the unique rear surface profile of the mustang cobra pedal may allow the pivot pin of the pedal to catch in the cutout on the floor carpeting behind the pedal, interfering with the pedal's ability to return; the result of which could be unexpected, continued throttle application.

RELATED:Watch The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Drag Car In Action

This particular problem is linked to the replacement keys that were possibly sold with 2010 to 2015 models of the Chevy Camaro.

According to the safety recall report, If these keys are used in the subject vehicles, there is a risk, under certain conditions, that some drivers may bump the key with their knee and unintentionally move the key away from the run position. If this occurs, engine power, and power braking will be affected, and power steering may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

This issue affected the 2012 Dodge Charger. It started after the 245/45Z-R20 All Season Performance tire sales code information was not included in the Central Body Controller (CBC) of the car, where the parameters for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are programmed.

According to the defect information report, Since the BBC configuration in the suspect vehicle population did not include a cold inflation value, a TPMS telltale would only trigger if the tire pressure fell below a default value of 22 psi. The TPMS must send a warning when tire pressure is already 24 psi.

RELATED:11 Dodge Chargers Wed Love To Own (5 That Were Ruined)

General Motors has revealed that the issue affects its 2015 Chevrolet Corvette. According to its manufacturer notice, Some of these vehicles have been built without one of the rear parking brake cables fully seated and engaged. In this condition, the parking brake will only operate on one of the rear brake drums leading to a reduction in the parking brakes operational capability. This reduction in operational capability may cause the vehicle to roll away if parked on a steep gradient. This can also increase the likelihood of a crash.

This problem affects the 2013 Dodge Challenger and according to the defect information report submitted by Chrysler, seven incidents that were linked to this issue have been identified. It is unclear if the issue had caused any injuries.

The report also explained, Some vehicles may experience an electrical short circuit between the Starter Motor B+ cable assembly electrical terminal and the Starter Solenoid. This condition may cause a vehicle fire without warning. All seven vehicles that experienced the electrical short circuit were manufactured at the assembly plant in Brampton.

RELATED:10 Dodge Challengers That Were Modified To Perfection (6 That Were Ruined)

This issue stems from the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) used by the 2011 to 2014 models of the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger. According to the safety compliance report, vehicles using this EHPS may experience an alternator diode thermal fatigue failure due to cyclical loads induced by EHPS.

Moreover, the report also explained, Depending on the failure mode and timing, system voltage may drop to critical levels, disabling systems such as the Antilock Brake System/Electronic Stability Control, Engine Control Module/Central Body Controller or result in a loss of vehicle power.

This issue affects several Chevy models including the 2020 Camaro. Because of this, a fuel leak may occur, and this may become an ignition source that could start a fire.

According to Chevrolets safety recall information, The supplier of fuel pumps for these vehicles may have failed to install a component that regulates pressure within the pump. This can result in over-pressurization leading to a crack in certain welds in the pump. If the welds crack, fuel could leak from the pump. To fix the issue, the cars high-pressure fuel pump would be replaced.

NEXT:6 Camaros We Wouldnt Take For Free (And 10 That Were Modified To Perfection)

Next 15 Most Expensive New Cars Of 2020

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10 Worst Problems Muscle Cars Have Had Over The Years | HotCars - HotCars

Without a doubt, the best money I ever spent was 6,000 all-in on a garden office building.

t the time of its installation 10 years ago, I was working for a multinational company and I used it for evening work and finishing off a book I was writing. But within a year, my job was kaput and I found myself self-employed. I spent two years full-time working from the little building. And I came to love it. From March, since lockdown, I have been based there again. Over 10 years, it has paid me back in spades.

It's a rectangular 16-and-a-half-foot by 10-foot form installed longways along the side boundary of my standard suburban 30-foot garden. A contractor was paid 200 to put in the foundation which was poured into a rectangular wooden plank frame.

The Steeltech people, from whom I bought it, were next to arrive. Like a procession of leafcutter ants, they hauled in outsized metal sheets in a long line and assembled the entire in an hour.

The building is split into two by an internal wall, the bigger being the office and the rest is a garden storage shed. The office room is 10x10 with two windows and a double-lock uPVC door. The outer shell is of non-perishable plastic-covered corrugated metal in green attached to a metal tubular frame and it came with 30mm foil-lined Kingspan insulation.

I paid a friend of a friend to wire it and a well-loved uncle installed a sterling board internal wall and ceiling panels which I stained mahogany and varnished to give a walnut-panel effect. The ceiling I wallpapered in pages from Dickens, Stoker and Carroll books and varnished. The curtains are recycled and home-dyed green. A quality dark green carpet from a remnant shop cost 100 and was apparently a left over from a big job on the five-star Four Seasons Hotel.

Two walls are lined with black Billy book cases from Ikea, I brought in an antique oak desk and a 'mastermind' office chair salvaged from a skip. Added to this was a wingback armchair from a house clearance auction for 30, a stove-style blow heater which my brother was throwing out and a plug-in stand alone oil radiator bought for 100. There's two architect lamps, a Tiffany-style stained glass desk lamp, an old three-in-one stereo, an old TV and a cabinet-mounted tropical fish tank for additional interest.

If you're sharing the dcor and furnishing, it all becomes a dual choice. But if it's yours only, it is your realm to do with what you want. I've been told mine looks decidedly like an Edwardian study.

I'm running through my installation list to give an idea of the sort of fittings you need for a functioning home-office garden building at a time when many are investing, either because of Covid-caused job loss, or in anticipation of the benefits of home-working going forward.

Last week, I mentioned the garden building installation company Shomera had seen its business go up by 400pc since Covid lockdown. Other firms have experienced such high demand that they can't fulfil new order until October. Key suppliers include Kelly Barna, Lidan Designs, Gardenrooms,ie and Steeltech.

There are some vital considerations to be made before you invest in a in a garden office, which can cost from 1,000 for a converted garden shed, to 12,000 for a decent permanent building, right up to 60,000 for a luxury version:

What to buy: At an entry level, there's nothing to stop you acquiring a normal scrap timber garden shed, insulating and wiring it yourself for under 1,000. But investing in a permanent structure will keep the insects and mice out, you warm and your office equipment dry, and it should last a lifetime. Bugs get in through the tiniest holes and cold brings damp, which perishes documents and equipment.

Style: Choose between timber, galvanised metal, cement board or composite. Most bigger suppliers have 'show villages' to peruse. The smallest you should consider is 8ft x 10ft for minimal physical accommodation and healthy breathing space. Like mine, you could get a dual function office/shed, which saves space in the garden for both.

Situation: Most suburban gardens allow room for a home-office building without taking from its enjoyment. It doesn't need planning permission. If you get a building that needs painting/varnishing, plonk it against a garden wall and you can't reach. The solution is rot-proof panels on any side facing a boundary wall or fence.

Foundations: If you're looking at something permanent, you'll need concrete. Measure carefully if you're doing it yourself, use a spirit level to ensure the pour frame is even and rake concrete smooth before it dries, unless you want an undulating floor like mine.

Wiring: An electrician can do it for a few hundred euro. A central ceiling light and eight plug sockets split between two walls is ideal for computers, lamps, printers and chargers. Plug-in broadband boosters cost 25 to 55.

Doors/Windows/Insulation: Heating flows right out of non-insulated spaces. Standard Kingspan 30mm for walls and roof usually comes with a supplier-bought office building. An 80mm or 50mm thickness is better. Sheeps wool works if you can get it. Double-glaze or higher for windows is best. Double-lock mechanism doors give some security.

Heating: Plug-in mobile oil radiators with timers are better than 'blow' heaters which dry out the air quickly. Time-regulated oil radiators retain heating capacity even after they are turned off.

Flooring: Carpet insulates but needs to withstand constant friction from office chair rollers, as do some timbers/laminates which can score easily.

Furnishing: A proper office chair for posture and comfort and a soft chair for long phone calls and guests. A desk facing a window, shelves, drawers, desk lamps and a heater. Then you're home and dry for home working.

Indo Property

Excerpt from:
Home truths: Doing all the home work on a 12-step commute - Independent.ie

Five rows each of 16 iron cots -- topped with mattresses covered with un-creased white bedsheets, neatly folded white blankets and thin pillows with blue covers -- are laid out at a distance of five feet from each other. On one side of each bed stands a grey plastic chair and on the other side rests a plastic stool with a sealed water bottle and a small soap atop it.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

The mud floor is bare, and from the high roof hangs slow-moving fans, which would offer little comfort from the humidity but for the cool breeze flowing in from outside after a light drizzle.

On Wednesday, this was a patients section up on display at the campus of Radha Soami Satsang Beas in south Delhis Chhatarpur, which is set to be the biggest Covid-19 temporary hospital in India with over 10,000 beds.

The mud floor will be covered by carpets and then topped with vinyl sheets for easy cleaning. The hospital will be cooled by 18,000 tons of air-conditioners, said BM Mishra, district magistrate (south), even as workers began spreading vinyl sheets at one corner of the facility.

The Delhi government had taken over the campus, roughly the size of 22 football fields in its effort to ramp bed strength and add medical infrastructure to combat the rapidly rising cases of the coronavirus disease in the city. The Delhi government is seeking to further increase the number of beds available for patients by setting up makeshift hospitals in 40 hotels and 77 banquet halls. The idea is to add 15,800 beds for sick patients. Five hundred converted railway coaches will add another 8,000 beds for the citys Covid-19 patients.

On Tuesday, home minister Amit Shah had tweeted that a large part of the facility would be operational by Friday and manned by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

THREE SEPARATE SECTIONS

Sonalika Jiwani, IAS officer and sub-divisional (SDM) of Mehrauli, said the facility is divided into three sections: the largest for the patients, another for nurses and doctors, and the third will serve as the command section.

For patients, there will be 116 sections of 88 beds each. In the first phase, well have 2,000 beds ready by Thursday. The entire facility will be ready by the first week of July, she said.

By Wednesday, dozens of large air-conditioners were already installed even as more were on their way. With the air-conditioners yet to be functional, the site was serviced by the fans hanging from long poles. While there is one fan on an average for every three beds, they will practically be useless for most patients going by how far the beds are placed from one another.

THE FACILITIES

Every patient will have a bed, a stool, a chair, a small plastic cupboard, a dustbin and utensils, and will be given a toiletry kit. The beds will either be the foldable iron cots, or ones manufactured using cardboard.

Individual phone and laptop charging facility will be available for each bed. Patients can also bring their laptops, but for any video or audio application, they will have to use headphones, said DM Mishra.

Food will be served to the patients by volunteers who will roll them on trolleys along the rows of beds. The Satsang is capable of cooking food for three lakh people a day. So, that will not be a problem, said the DM.

TOILETS

There are 600-odd toilets at the centre with 70 portable toilets -- including three special ones for physically challenged people -- stationed outside. We will bring more portable toilets. The aim is to have one toilet for every 10 patients at least, said the DM.

Sanjeev Tiwari, the operations head of YLDA India Pvt Ltd, the firm hired by DUSIB to set up portable toilets, said that each toilet can be used about 200 times before the waste needs to be taken away. Suction vehicles will be ready to take away the waste and make the toilets usable immediately. The toilets will be cleaned twice a day and once at night, said Tiwari.

The DM said that the sanitation work will be carried out by an agency to be hired by South Delhi Municipal Corporation. All the workers will wear PPE suits. We are working out a plan to ensure there is minimal interaction between the workers and the patients, said the officer.

For uninterrupted water supply, the government has installed hydrants for the underground reservoir facility that has a capacity of 1.7 lakh litres. The water supply capacity has been augmented. The Delhi Jal Board will check samples five times a day to ensure that the quality of water is good, said Raghav Chadha, the DJBs vice-chairman who visited the place on Wednesday.

RELATIVES WONT BE ALLOWED

Relatives of patients wont be allowed inside the gates. We would prefer if they can send the patients here in ambulances, but even if they bring them themselves, theyll have to handover the patients to us at the gates and leave, said DM Mishra.

To handle the admission and discharge of patients, the authorities will use an e-hospital app that is being developed by the National Informatics Centre, said the DM. A team will work on 400 computers at the centre, he said.

The officer said that MTNL has been asked to provide landline and internet connection at the facility. We have also requested a telephone tower firm to install requisite towers nearby so that the patients do not have problems in browsing the internet, he said.

Read more:
10k beds, 18k tonnes of ACs: What to expect in Delhis biggest Covid facility - Hindustan Times

Leaders of the roughly 4,400-member machinists union at Bath Iron Works are calling for a strike, but company president Dirk Lesko said today that would be a mistake."The reason we shouldn't go on strike is it helps no one. It doesn't help us meet our customer's needs. Fundamentally, any business that doesn't meet its customer's needs can't be successful," Lesko said in a rare interview with WMTW inside the shipyard.The companys one customer is the U.S. Navy, for two kinds of destroyers that carry a price tag close to $1 billion and take years to make. BIW is a subsidiary of General Dynamics, one of the nations biggest defense contractors.The Local S6 chapter of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers commences voting on the proposed three-year contract online or over the phone at midnight Friday, and the balloting continues through noon Sunday.Im hopeful there will not be a strike, Lesko said. I believe the offer weve provided is fair. I have a lot of confidence in our workforce to exercise good judgment, to think for themselves, and to read the offer.The offer includes 3% annual raises for manufacturing workers and a $1,200 ratification bonus. But union leaders decried changes in rules affecting seniority and subcontractors. They said the new contract could force seasoned workers with certain skills to switch to new jobs and could lead to an increase in nonunion workers being brought into the shipyard.We are trying to use subcontractors as a means of supplementing the workforce we have. Weve been unable to hire enough people fast enough, Lesko said. Our preference is to use our own labor, is to have our own workforce, and thats why last year we hired and trained almost 2,000 people. Wed like to do at least 1,000 more this year.As a result of new hires and what Lesko described as an unprecedented number of retirements, 70% of BIWs manufacturing workforce has been on the jobs two years or less.Responding to the claim that the contract, hypothetically, could lead to an electrician becoming a pipefitter, Lesko said, It simply isnt true.He added, When you think about seniority, you think about seniority as it relates to layoffs, rehiring, vacation, accrual shift assignment, those things dont change in this contract. What does change is our ability to move people around to where the work is between facilities, if necessary, and that is a fundamental requirement of any business to match the people you have to do the work to the work.Union handouts refer to BIWs offer as a garbage contract and urged members, Dont be fooled. One flyer called Lesko deceitful, dishonest, despicable.Lesko said, I dont think anyone wants to be called a deceitful liar, but I am very, very confident that Im telling the truth. I have command of the facts. I understand what we need to improve, and I believe our workforce does as well.BIW production is 9 months behind its navy contract schedule, a pace that preceded a sharp attendance drop during the coronavirus outbreak. The company reported two confirmed cases in March and one in May.Lesko said, All of those people, and all of the people who were in contact with them are back at work at this point.BIW instituted social distancing policies and requires employees to wear masks inside the shipyard. But Lesko resisted calls for the company to slow down or stop operations at Maines largest congregant work site, with a total of 6,800 employees. (Nonunion workers would not be affected by a strike).We are part of the critical infrastructure industry, right? We were supposed to remain open. Our customer expected us to remain open, so our focus was how do we do that as safely as we possibly can? he said. Viewing COVID-19 purely through the lens of public health is important, but there are economic impacts to consider, there are other social impacts to consider, and for us, one of the things that it was clear up front we could never consider was closing, and that was not our decision.The company allowed employees to take unlimited unpaid leave from mid-March through early May. It was slow to approve telecommuting and didnt do so for many employees.Lesko cited the security concerns inherent with military work. You cant just take your BIW work home and use your home computer to do it.

Leaders of the roughly 4,400-member machinists union at Bath Iron Works are calling for a strike, but company president Dirk Lesko said today that would be a mistake.

"The reason we shouldn't go on strike is it helps no one. It doesn't help us meet our customer's needs. Fundamentally, any business that doesn't meet its customer's needs can't be successful," Lesko said in a rare interview with WMTW inside the shipyard.

The companys one customer is the U.S. Navy, for two kinds of destroyers that carry a price tag close to $1 billion and take years to make. BIW is a subsidiary of General Dynamics, one of the nations biggest defense contractors.

The Local S6 chapter of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers commences voting on the proposed three-year contract online or over the phone at midnight Friday, and the balloting continues through noon Sunday.

Im hopeful there will not be a strike, Lesko said. I believe the offer weve provided is fair. I have a lot of confidence in our workforce to exercise good judgment, to think for themselves, and to read the offer.

The offer includes 3% annual raises for manufacturing workers and a $1,200 ratification bonus.

But union leaders decried changes in rules affecting seniority and subcontractors. They said the new contract could force seasoned workers with certain skills to switch to new jobs and could lead to an increase in nonunion workers being brought into the shipyard.

We are trying to use subcontractors as a means of supplementing the workforce we have. Weve been unable to hire enough people fast enough, Lesko said. Our preference is to use our own labor, is to have our own workforce, and thats why last year we hired and trained almost 2,000 people. Wed like to do at least 1,000 more this year.

As a result of new hires and what Lesko described as an unprecedented number of retirements, 70% of BIWs manufacturing workforce has been on the jobs two years or less.

Responding to the claim that the contract, hypothetically, could lead to an electrician becoming a pipefitter, Lesko said, It simply isnt true.

He added, When you think about seniority, you think about seniority as it relates to layoffs, rehiring, vacation, accrual shift assignment, those things dont change in this contract. What does change is our ability to move people around to where the work is between facilities, if necessary, and that is a fundamental requirement of any business to match the people you have to do the work to the work.

Union handouts refer to BIWs offer as a garbage contract and urged members, Dont be fooled. One flyer called Lesko deceitful, dishonest, despicable.

Lesko said, I dont think anyone wants to be called a deceitful liar, but I am very, very confident that Im telling the truth. I have command of the facts. I understand what we need to improve, and I believe our workforce does as well.

BIW production is 9 months behind its navy contract schedule, a pace that preceded a sharp attendance drop during the coronavirus outbreak. The company reported two confirmed cases in March and one in May.

Lesko said, All of those people, and all of the people who were in contact with them are back at work at this point.

BIW instituted social distancing policies and requires employees to wear masks inside the shipyard. But Lesko resisted calls for the company to slow down or stop operations at Maines largest congregant work site, with a total of 6,800 employees. (Nonunion workers would not be affected by a strike).

We are part of the critical infrastructure industry, right? We were supposed to remain open. Our customer expected us to remain open, so our focus was how do we do that as safely as we possibly can? he said. Viewing COVID-19 purely through the lens of public health is important, but there are economic impacts to consider, there are other social impacts to consider, and for us, one of the things that it was clear up front we could never consider was closing, and that was not our decision.

The company allowed employees to take unlimited unpaid leave from mid-March through early May. It was slow to approve telecommuting and didnt do so for many employees.

Lesko cited the security concerns inherent with military work. You cant just take your BIW work home and use your home computer to do it.

View post:
BIW President: I'm hopeful there will not be a strike - WMTW Portland

Bitfarms Ltd. (Bitfarms”, or the Company”) (TSXV:BITF) today announced its consolidated results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

Q1 2020 Financial Summary and Corporate Highlights

We are pleased that, despite the difficulties in general market conditions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in Q1 2020 for most companies, Bitfarms’ operations were able to continue in normal course and yielded positive EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. We are pleased that the Company was able to achieve a 47% gross mining margin in the first quarter amidst challenging and uncertain market conditions.

We believe our financial performance relative to our competition reflects the difference in the strength of Bitfarms’ operational efficiency in Bitcoin mining versus our public peers. The cost efficiency of the Company’s operations is further reflected in the break-even cost of production of each Bitcoin of $3,988, which compared very favorably to publicly disclosed financial information of other miners. The break-even cost of production of each Bitcoin achieved of $3,988 achieved by the Company also compared very well to the average Bitcoin market price of approximately $8,261 during the first quarter” commented John Rim, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Emiliano Grodzki, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Bitfarms added, Bitfarms continues to solidify its position as the industry leader in terms of operational efficiency and financial performance. We will continue to carry out our strategy of disciplined, timely and cost efficient growth to achieve greater scale and further our leadership in this burgeoning industry.”

________________________ 1 EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Gross mining profit and Gross mining margin are non-IFRS performance measures; please refer to the end of this press release regarding the use of Non-IFRS Performance Measures. 2 Represents the break-even cost of Bitcoin based on variable cost of electricity and is calculated by taking the total electricity costs related to the Mining of each Bitcoin divided by the total number of Bitcoin mined, in the relevant period.

Financial Review

Consolidated Company Results (000’s)

(U.S.$ in thousands except where indicated)

Three months ended

For the periods ended as indicated

Mar. 31

2020

Mar. 31

2019

$ Change

% Change

Revenues

9,212

3,629

5,583

154%

Cost of sales

7,917

3,417

4,500

132%

Gross profit

1,295

212

1,083

511%

Gross margin

14%

6%

-

-

G&A and other expenses

2,805

1,923

882

46%

Operating loss

(1,510)

(1,711)

201

12%

Operating margin

(16%)

(47%)

-

-

Financial income

363

25

338

1352%

Interest expense

1,385

132

1,253

949%

Other financial expenses

-

188

(188)

(100%)

Total financial expenses

1,385

320

1,065

333%

Pre-tax loss

(2,532)

(2,006)

(526)

(26%)

Income tax recovery

(108)

-

(108)

100%

Net loss

(2,424)

(2,006)

(418)

(21%)

Net loss per share - basic

(0.03)

(0.02)

(0.01)

(44%)

Gross mining profit (1)

4,139

1,087

3,052

281%

Gross mining margin (1)

47%

36%

Read more:
Bitfarms Reports Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 - Stockhouse

(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Ever since the NBA announced that it would return, many have speculated that the Portland Trail Blazers could be a dark horse candidate in the Western Conference. Currently sitting in the 9-seed, the Blazers appeared ready to make a run at near full strength when the NBA resumes next month.

With the hiatus having provided time to let big men Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic heal back to full strength, Portland would add two stellar big men to their rotation. However, it appears that the team could be without Carmelo Anthony next month, and officially without Trevor Ariza after reports came out yesterday that he would sit out the remainder of the season.

While Anthony has not officially decided, it would be an absolutely detrimental blow to the teams contending chances if he sits out alongside Ariza. Whatever happens, the Blazers should look at the current free agent market during this transaction window to bolster their roster because, on paper, this team could make some noise.

With Ariza out, the Blazers will need to find a player to fill the void left behind. In 21 starts with the team, Ariza averaged 11.0 points per game on a stellar 49.1 percent shooting from the field and 40.0 percent 3-point shooting. The forward was a fantastic addition after coming over midseason through a trade with the Sacramento Kings and now find themselves in a predicament without him.

Standing pat with their current options at the small forward position appears not to be a legitimate option. The only other listed small forwards on the roster are Rodney Hood, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury this year, and Jaylen Hoard, a rookie on a two-way contract. Those circumstances do not leave the Blazers with many options within the organization, but thankfully, they do not have to solely rely on that.

With their starting small forward and lethal offensive threat opting out of the remainder of the season, Portland can pick their poison when it comes to replacements on the free-agent market. The team needs a wing that can shoot the ball efficiently and preferably also defend well to help them stay afloat in the standings.

A few notable names that come to mind are J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Gerald Green. All three can shoot the ball at a high-rate while simultaneously provide some versatile defense. Each of the three finds themselves out of the league for various reasons, but still undoubtedly have something left to contribute to a team in need.

Whether any of these household names can match or outproduce that of Arizas stature is questionable, but at this time, the gamble is worth it for the Portland Trail Blazers.

As Damian Lillard recently toldLisa Robinson of Vanity Fair,this team believes they can upset the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in a potential playoff series. Losing Ariza hurts, but it does not have to be the nail in the coffin if the Blazers can find a worthy replacement.

The team has until June 30th before the transaction window closes, and should pursue the opportunity quickly before the current free agents find homes elsewhere. This team has proven that they can compete with the best of the best, and finding an Ariza replacement would only improve their chances of keeping their season alive.

Link:
Portland Trail Blazers: Team needs to be active during transaction window - Hoops Habit

The board of governors and the players recently voted to move ahead with the NBA's return to play proposal, and the wheels are now officially in motion for games to resume on July 30 at Disney World in Orlando. Twenty-two teams will be in attendance, and they'll play eight regular-season games each before proceeding to the playoffs.

Now that an official plan is in place and all sides have agreed on a format and schedule, the league has begun to iron out some of the surrounding details. Among them is what to do in case of injury or a positive COVID-19 test. Once in Orlando, players will be tested nightly, and the league has made it clear that things will move along even if one of them comes down with the coronavirus.

Any players testing positive will be quarantined for at least seven days, and possibly up to 14, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Bobby Marks. Because of that risk, and the potential competitive disadvantage, teams are expected to be allowed to sign replacement players. Once a player tests positive, the team has up to seven days to sign a replacement player.Via ESPN:

If COVID-19 or a serious injury strikes a team during training camps or the eight regular-season seeding games, there is expected to be no limitations on the number of players a team could sign to replace those lost, but there would be restrictions on those in the pool of eligible players, sources said.

Eligible replacement players will likely have had to be signed in the NBA or G League or be on training camp contracts this season, sources said. Under these restrictions, for example, no team could sign veteran Jamal Crawford -- who went unsigned all season -- or an international player.

The league office has discussed the possibility with its teams that there could be a requirement that those players replaced for COVID-19 or injury would become ineligible to return for the balance of this season, sources said.

The league has set its "transaction window," in which teams will be permitted to sign replacement players, from Tuesday, June 23 at 12 p.m. ET to Tuesday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET., per Shams Charania of The Athletic. It will feature all 30 teams, not just the 22 that will be competing in Orlando. Once the period begins, teams will be able to sign eligible free agents, convert two-way players into full NBA contracts, and waive players during the given time frame.

While this is a necessary allowance, teams may not end up taking advantage of it. For one, the health and safety measures in place would mean a big delay between signing a free agent and them actually being able to help the team. They would need to be quarantined after arriving in Orlando, and then have to get up to speed with what the team is doing in very short order. Considering the pool of available players is going to be pretty shallow, it may just make more sense to wait for their player to return from injury and/or sickness.

That's not to say no teams will add players if necessary, but there's some real thought that will go into that decision, especially if replaced players are then ineligible to return for the rest of the season. Converting two-way players to full NBA contracts might be a better option, as two-way players offer a much simpler alternative for teams looking for roster flexibility than bringing in outside players. Plus, some two-way players have become key contributors for their respective teams.

Read more here:
NBA teams will be able to sign replacement players in case of positive coronavirus tests, per report - CBS Sports

Apple's incoming ARM-based Macs wont let users run Windows 10 in Boot Camp mode.

Although Apple Silicon-powered machines will be able to run iPhone and iPad apps natively, it appears they won't be able to run Windows, with Microsoft confirming to that it won't make Windows 10 for ARM available for the new Apple Silicon-based machines.

In a statement given to The Verge, the company said that it "only licences Windows on ARM to OEMs".When asked whether it plans tochange this policy to allow Boot Camp on ARM-based Macs, and the company said "we have nothing further to share at this time".

macOS 11 Big Sur will ship with Boot Camp installed, but it appears the ability to run a Windows environment will be limited to Intel machines. ARM-based Macs will not be able to access this functionality, and Apple has not yet announced a Boot Camp replacement.

To make matters worse, it also remains unclear whether macOS will be able to support Windows virtualisation via third-party tools such as Parallels and VMware Fusion.

Though Big Sur will ship with Rosetta 2, an emulation tool that will allow users to run non-ARM optimized apps, Apple has confirmed that this wont be able to translate x86_64 apps.

In developer support documentation, Apple confirms: "Rosetta can translate most Intel-based apps, including apps that contain just-in-time (JIT) compilers. However, Rosetta doesnt translate the following executables: kernel extensions, Virtual Machine apps that virtualize x86_64 computer platforms."

While the transition to ARM-based processors could spell the end of Windows on Mac, Apple has already confirmed that Microsofts Office apps, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, will work natively on Apple Silicon machines.

It also hinted that it's working to support virtualisation software, as during its WWDC keynote this week Apple demoed a Mac equipped with an ARM-basedA12Z Bionic SoC running a Linux distribution in Parallels.

See more here:
Apple's Silicon could signal the end of Windows 10 through Boot Camp - TechRadar