Why Isn’t Alex Karras in the NFL Hall of Fame?
One of the most feared and ferocious players in National Football League history, the late Detriot Lions defensive lineman Alex Karras isn’t in the Hall of Fame – likely kept out because of a suspension for gambling, but as other players with more checkered and violent histories are in.They, however, didn’t stand up to an NFL Commissioner like Karras, the ex-Iowa great who was featured in George Plimpton’s book about the game, Paper Lion, did when he wouldn’t back to down to Pete Rozelle, refusing to be repentant for gambling on games, his disdain for authority showing throughout his career.When he died in 2012 after suffering multiple illnesses and dementia, the New York Times put it this way: “Karras was an especially versatile pass rusher, known around the league for his combination of strength, speed and caginess. His furious approach — Plimpton described it as a “savage, bustling style of attack,” earned him the moniker The Mad Duck.Undersized even in the 1950’s and 1960’s at 6-2 and 250 lbs for a defensive lineman, Karras made up for it with an unbridled menacing style of all-out play, stalking quarterbacks he derided as “milk drinkers,” and making even the toughest running backs look for an exit.Seeing lesser players who couldn’t wear Karras’ undergarments enshrined among the game’s greatest, Detroit Free Press sportswriter Carlos Monarrez made the case for him to finally be admitted, writing: “Enough is enough. It’s time for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to make things right and induct one of the NFL’s all-time best defensive tackles: the late, great Alex Karras, who played for the Detroit Lions from 1958-70.”It came to mind, he said, as he watched Ray Lewis and Randy Moss, of dubious character, getting in, with Karras’ one-year suspension in 1963 – along with Green Bay Packers running great Paul Hornung – one opponent he couldn’t knock down.In today’s game, where every move is a statistic, the modern players are touting math as a symbol of their greatness: how many sacks, how many yards, how many passes caught. With few defensive statistics when he played, there was no way to really calculate Karras’ greatness. Ask anyone across the line from him, gulping in fear at what was going to be coming at him.Karras was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team of the 1960s — by the entire Hall of Fame Selection Committee. “Seriously. This charade has gone on long enough,” Monarrez wrote.He said he spoke with many of Karras’ contemporaries and that, “Whenever his name comes up, they all agree there’s no question he was one of the most dominant players of his time who absolutely deserves to be enshrined.”Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka, a fellow wrecking machine with an equally menacing scowl and ferocity said of Karras, who he had lined up against many times, that, “He was thought of, at the time, as the best defensive lineman in football. I know there was (Gene) Big Daddy Lipscomb. There were a lot of guys. But he was the best.” It’s unclear exactly what has kept Karras out of the Hall of Fame. The selection committee is only supposed to judge players by what they do on the field, and nothing more, Monarrez wrote, but there’s no accounting for what they’re thinking and if Karras’ don’t-give-a-damn attitude is registering in why they don’t vote for him.It may be because the extent of his gambling remains unsure and that for a time he was part owner of Detroit’s iconic Lindell AC bar, until Rozelle ordered him to sell his share, long before, as is on the horizon now, that gambling on games is legal in some states and the Oakland Raiders planning to move to Las Vegas, the American gambling mecca.Monarrez noted that Hornung is in the Hall of Fame but Karras isn’t and it’s probably because Karras wouldn’t apologize and openly said he didn’t like the Commissioner. “But the fact the gambling happened away from the field, that Karras was never proved to have bet on Lions games, and that he was reinstated should make him eligible for the Hall of Fame,” he wrote. The only way for Karras to be elected to the Hall of Fame is through a complicated process that involves the Hall’s Seniors Committee. That’s a group of nine veteran members who are also part of the 48 journalists on the regular Selection Committee.Ditka said it’s time for people holding back on Karras to get over it. “That was a long time ago, and it had no reflection on how he played the game. He’s a Hall of Fame football player, believe me.”When he was reinstated in 1964, Karras once refused when an official asked him to call the pregame coin toss. “I’m sorry, sir,” Karras replied. “I’m not permitted to gamble.” That’s why.TweetPinShare77 Shares
Kuala Lumpur, Dec 10 (AFP) Malaysian badminton great Lee Chong Wei is to seek the all-clear from his doctors in Taiwan after his treatment for nose cancer, and probably won’t be back on the courts until next month, reports said Monday.Despite earlier comments from Malaysia’s badminton chief that Lee’s return to the training courts was imminent, the 36-year-old said he still needed the green light from his specialists.The three-time Olympic silver-medallist has spent nearly five months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer and undergoing proton therapy and chemotherapy in Taiwan.”I need to go for my follow-up check-up with doctors in Taiwan later this month, and see what they say then,” Lee was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper, adding that January looked like the earliest he could come back.”I’ve been constantly keeping in touch with them and they have reminded me to take it easy and not to rush it because this is not an injury. It takes time.”The former long-time world number one also cast doubt on whether he will make good on his plan to make a competitive comeback at the All England Open in March.”My target is the All England, but I can’t really be sure I will come back by then,” said Lee.”My desire is there. But I can’t force things to happen. Everything depends on my condition as I’ve been out for almost five months now since I underwent my treatment in July.” The player, now down at 15th in the world rankings, has said that he is still eying an elusive Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games.advertisementLee’s unsuccessful attempts to capture Malaysia’s first ever Olympic gold medal, at three consecutive Summer Games, were followed avidly back home, as was his long-running rivalry with Chinese superstar Lin Dan.His last shot at the Olympic title at Rio 2016 ended in a crushing failure when the Malaysian lost out to China’s Chen Long in a nail-biting final.Nose cancer is perhaps the biggest blow suffered by Lee, who was banned after testing positive for a proscribed anti-inflammatory at the 2014 world championships.Lee returned to the sport in 2015, after authorities accepted he took the drug inadvertently. (AFP) APAAPA
Zlatan Ibrahimović ‘I feel like a 10’ – Ibrahimovic hints at new role at Man Utd Guy Atkinson Last updated 1 year ago 23:00 11/16/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(2) 
Getty Images Zlatan Ibrahimović Manchester United Premier League Romelu Lukaku José Mourinho The Swedish hitman is thought to be on the verge of a return to first-team action at Old Trafford but may be used in an unfamiliar role Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested that he could play a different role when he makes his Manchester United return.The 36-year-old has been out of action since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the Europa League quarter-final victory over Anderlecht in April, but Jose Mourinho has hinted he could return before the end of 2017.Man U 7/5 to score O2.5 goals v Newcastle Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Ibrahimovic led the line for Mourinho’s side last year, supported by a rotating cast of attacking midfielders.Romelu Lukaku took the Swede’s position and number nine shirt following his arrival from Everton, but Ibrahimovic has said that his switch to number 10 is a natural fit for him and could well herald a change in the way he fits into the side.”To me, the No.10 is the star,” he said in a promotional video for Volvo. “The one who makes the difference, gets noticed, wins the matches and is the leader. And I see myself in that position but it is not something that is given to you, it is just something you are, that’s just the way it is.”To be honest, it is like a trigger for me coming back from that injury because I wore the No.10 in the Swedish national team and PSG. I would have worn it at Inter but I soon moved to Barcelona. I wanted it in Milan but took another number out of respect. In Ajax, I didn’t have it.It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice pic.twitter.com/yk1T2i4VQS— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) October 13, 2017″I feel like a ten and I stand for No.10. It will go down in history that I always had No.10.”Speaking about his knee injury, Ibrahimovic added that it was so painful it felt like he was swallowing his own tongue.”I tried to take down a ball with my chest and timed the landing wrong,” he said. “I stuck my legs out and landed completely wrong. The leg went backwards and then it was pulled out. I have never been hurt, but then I felt I swallowed my tongue. It was a strange feeling that I had never known before.”I told myself it’s just a bang up. But when I got up, I felt that the leg was not in balance. In the locker room they started to check the leg but without an X-ray it was impossible to say exactly what the problem was. It turned out to be a cruciate ligament injury.”
zoom Golar LNG Partners LP has completed acquisition of the company that owns and operates the FSRU Golar Igloo from Golar LNG Limited for a purchase price of approximately $310.0 million.The partnership financed the purchase price by the assumption of outstanding debt obligations in respect of the Golar Igloo in the sum of $161.3 million with the balance from the cash proceeds of its December 2013 equity offering.FSRU Golar Igloo was built by Korean shipyard, Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., and was delivered in February 2014.The vessel, currently completing its commissioning procedures, has commenced service under a five-year time charter with Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), supporting KNPC’s LNG import operations at Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait. golarlng, March 28, 2014
Notice anything different about the Explorer view from Windows 8.1? Yep, the libraries block is missing. It should be right there between Favorites and This PC, but it’s nowhere to be seen.What’s going on? Has Microsoft decided that Libraries were a non-starter and obliterated them in Windows 8.1? Not quite, says Windows sleuth Paul Thurrott. Libraries aren’t going away completely, but they are going away. Windows 8.1 won’t create any Libraries by default.It’s safe to assume that Libraries are an underused feature, and that’s why Microsoft is moving them out of the spotlight. The idea of Libraries also runs counter to the traditional Windows file management philosophy. Windows 8 still creates individual folders for Documents, Photos, Music, Videos, and Downloads. Where should you save your photos? In my photos, of course.Libraries, however, turn that system on its head. They let you store things in whatever random locations you wish and then link them together in a central repository. Most users never catch on — instead using only a single location inside a Library, which is obviously redundant.To others, however, Libraries can be a useful organizational tool. Those folks will still be able to create their own Libraries, which is good news. If you’re a savvy Windows user and actually like the way Libraries allow you to organize your data, you’ll be free to keep using them in Windows 8.1.But what if Microsoft did decide to remove them completely before Windows 8.1 launches this August? Would you even notice they’re missing?
DULUTH — A daylong police blockade of a Battle Ground-area neighborhood ended with the arrest of a man who allegedly used a gun to threaten his girlfriend Saturday morning.Dewey Edward Walch, 45, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault after emerging from a camp trailer near his house at 808 N.E. 189th St. about 4:30 p.m.Police responded to a domestic violence report at 9:52 a.m., Clark County sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Trimble said.Walch couldn’t be found and didn’t emerge from a nearby camp trailer until after officers set off a concussive “distraction device.” Trimble said Walch did not have a gun with him when he emerged, and was arrested without incident.“He claimed he was just napping,” Trimble said.If so, he’s quite a heavy sleeper.Walch had disappeared when officers responded to the domestic violence call. Concerned that an armed, agitated assailant could be roaming the neighborhood, police closed streets and evacuated a half-dozen homes as they methodically searched the area. They used a bullhorn to call to the man, with no response.Police also closed off a wider area to passing traffic. The Washington State Patrol closed Northeast 10th Avenue at 179th Street, the main Interstate 5 exit to the county fairgrounds.All told, Trimble said, the operation involved a couple dozen officers from a multi-agency tactical team.
Next month, Seattle-area mountain climber Bruce Stobie is going to attempt to get to the top of Denali. That alone is impressive, but Stobie faces an additional challenge. He’s blind.Download Audio
Kolkata-based United Bank of India on Monday declared Kingfisher Airlines owner Vijay Mallya as ‘wilful defaulter’.The bank has also tagged other three directors of Kingfisher Airlines – AK Ganguly, Subhash R Gupte and R Nedungadi in the list. UBI has become the first bank to declare Mallya as wilful defaulter.The decision came after the company did not attend UBI’s panel meeting at 10:30am on Monday, which forced the bank to take this step. “We declared Mallya and three other directors of Kingfisher Airlines as wilful defaulters after no one from the company turned up before our internal committee this morning,” Financial Express quoted UBI’s executive director Deepak Narang.A wilful defaulter is a person who has not paid loan even when the borrower has the capacity to do so or has not utilised the money from the lender for the specific purposes for which the money was borrowed.According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI), once a wilful defaulter notice is issued, the borrower has 15 days to defend in front of the bank.The bank said it is in the process of sending formal letter to the company and will soon inform the Reserve Bank of India, the Finance Ministry and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) about its decision.Hence, Vijay Mallya along with three directors of the company is now restricted to borrow money from any banks and is prohibited to continue as a director in any company.”Now, the Kingfisher board should force them (Mallya and three other directors) to step down as they can’t raise money for the company,” Narang added.However, UBI’s executive defended by saying that this move could not have an immediate impact on the company or Mallya’s position as a chairman. “It is too premature to say that it’ll have any effect (on the United Breweries board). The wilful default hasn’t even been established. The board is not affected currently,” Mint quoted UBI’s executive.The company replied that the bank took the step even though even after airline’s leave petition against the Calcutta High Court order is pending in the Supreme Court.
Texas is currently the state with the highest number of judicial vacancies in federal courts and the situation is slowing down the justice system in the state.Texas has 12 vacancies, 10 of them in district courts and the other two in circuit courts.According to a recent report by the Center for American Progress, adding up the number of days the positions have been vacant is the equivalent of 20 years.“That’s a long time for us not to have the judges we need to hear the cases that are critical to people, critical to folks who are trying to get restitution for property rights, for labor disputes, for businesses seeking different licenses,” says Phillip Martin, one of the report’s authors.An example of the slow down due to the backlog is what has happened at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which currently has two of the referred vacancies.Official data compiled by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts show that it received over 7,000 cases in 2014.However, by the end of that same year, more than 4,000 of those appeals were still pending.“These are important criminal cases, civil cases and it’s not just the litigants in those cases that are concerned, the businesses interests in Texas are feeling a big impact,” notes professor Jim Alfini, Dean Emeritus at the South Texas College of Law, who adds Texas is the “epicenter” of the crisis.The report also notes that some people are agreeing to plea deals because of the delay in their trial dates.“We see defendants pleading guilty in criminal cases even if they are innocent,” indicates Anisha Singh, co-author of the report, “just because they might get out of jail faster if they plead guilty than waiting for their trial.”President Barack Obama introduced five nominees for Texas federal courts in March.All of them had been recommended by both Texas Senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, who are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.The committee is currently vetting the nominees.The next step is setting their hearing dates, after which those who are approved would move on to a final confirmation vote by the entire Senate. Share X To embed this piece of audio in your site, please use this code: Listen 00:00 /02:15 
Manuel Balce Ceneta/APQuestions surrounding President Trump’s temperament intensified this week after excerpts from the book, Fire and Fury: Inside The Trump White House, detailed chaos inside the White HousePresident Donald Trump’s State of the Union offer of a “down-the-middle compromise” on immigration did nothing to move Republicans and Democrats closer to a deal, as Democrats accused the president of lacing his speech with racially charged remarks and Republicans dug in on their demands.The reaction to Trump’s high-profile overture suggested both parties were settling into a protracted tug-of-war. The standoff left serious doubt whether the two parties could reach an election-year pact to protect hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation, sharpen border security and take other steps to curb immigration. The two parties had not even settled on a deadline for an agreement — a bad sign in an institution that rarely acts unless under pressure.“If the deadline is Feb. 8, we’re not going to make it,” No. 2 House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland said Wednesday, noting a looming deadline for approving government funding to avoid another shutdown.“It’s going to take work for us to build a consensus,” Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., the House GOP vote counter, said in an interview Tuesday. Scalise noted that Republicans took “weeks and weeks” to craft tax legislation last year.Trump complained early Thursday that “the Democrats are doing nothing about DACA.”“They Resist, Blame, Complain and Obstruct – and do nothing. Start pushing Nancy Pelosi and the Dems to work out a DACA fix, NOW!” the president tweeted.Earlier this month, Senate Democrats looking to pressure Republicans to reach an immigration deal forced a three-day federal shutdown. While many Democrats have little appetite to repeat that strategy, party leaders have yet to indicate if they’ll let future budget legislation move forward without an immigration accord.The tone of the immigration debate, already testy, seemed to worsen after Trump asserted Tuesday night that “open borders have allowed drugs and gangs to pour into our most vulnerable communities” and let millions of immigrants “compete for jobs and wages against the poorest Americans.”House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Wednesday that Trump used “insulting words of ignorance and prejudice.” Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said the remarks were “meant to enflame tensions about immigrants” and would stir up Trump’s conservative base but damage talks.Republicans said Democrats are not making serious offers as they bargain over Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, the Obama-era program that’s shielded immigrants in the U.S. illegally who were brought here as children. Trump said last year he was ending the program, claiming executive overreach by President Barack Obama, but gave Congress until March 5 to enshrine it into law.“If Democrats don’t figure out a way to negotiate, then the DACA program will end and that’s not an outcome I think anybody would like,” said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the second-ranking Senate GOP leader. “But they will be responsible for it.”Even that March 5 date was in doubt, according to Hoyer, who’s been meeting with other leaders. He said Republicans suggested Trump could extend that deadline, though a congressional GOP aide said he was unaware of that option. Trump’s tweet on Thursday said, “March 5th is rapidly approaching.”The urgency of the March 5 deadline was also blunted by a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block the end of the DACA program. As a result, U.S. immigration authorities resumed accepting requests to renew DACA permits, which give recipients permission to live and work in the country.Trump has proposed a 10- to 12-year track to citizenship for around 1.8 million younger immigrants protected by DACA or eligible for its guarantees. That’s enraged GOP conservatives.“The heartburn is the amnesty component,” said Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., leader of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, referring to Trump’s offer of citizenship. Meadows said that plan needs “a few adjustments that may be major” before it could pass the House.Trump also wants $25 billion for border security, including his prized wall, despite campaign promises that Mexico would fund it. He would end a lottery used to encourage immigration from diverse countries and redistribute some of those visas to applicants with high-skilled jobs.He would also limit relatives that immigrants could sponsor for legal U.S. status to spouses and underage children. He calls that “chain migration,” a term immigration advocates find nearly as offensive as the idea of barring them from helping parents, siblings and other relatives.“We will not reach agreement as long as he wants to attack the very underpinning of legal immigration. My sister is not a distant relative,” said Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., a hard-line advocate for immigration.GOP lawmakers were also wary of changes Trump would make, such as potential curbs on visas that allow temporary agriculture or seasonal workers into the U.S.“I favor legal immigration, I want to eliminate illegal immigration,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D. He said Trump’s proposal was “a good first step.”The conservative-leaning Cato Institute has called Trump’s proposals “draconian restrictions on legal immigrants” that would exclude nearly 500,000 legal immigrants annually, cutting their numbers by nearly 50 percent.Without a deal, Democrats risked a backlash from liberal voters furious about any failure to protect the young immigrants known as “Dreamers.” Republicans were wary of letting deportations begin in a year in which they’ll be defending Senate seats in Nevada and Arizona, swing states with high Hispanic populations. Share
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Ruwan Peiris as Regional General Manager for New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Victoria.In his role, Mr Peiris is responsible for the management of thirteen IHG hotels, the National Convention Centre Canberra and Parliament House Catering by IHG.Mr Peiris joins IHG with over 20 years of experience in Australia’s hospitality industry, and most recently Area General Manager with Accor Hotels.IHG chief operating officer Australia Japan and Korea Karin Sheppard, said Ruwan has a strong reputation in the industry.“Ruwan is an engaging and authentic leader who delivers outstanding operational performance and prides himself on developing strong owner relationships. We’re thrilled Ruwan is joining our Australasia team,” Ms Sheppard said.“IHG has had a consistently strong presence in Australia over the years and I’ve always admired their culture and people ethos, so I’m delighted to be joining the company,” Mr Peiris said.“With an even stronger leadership team under Karin in her new COO role, and the renewed focus on delivering growth here, the company is well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities in this market.”Mr Peiris will sit on the IHG Australasia leadership team, alongside Joerg Boeckeler, Area General Manager for InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.Source = ETB Travel News: Lewis Wiseman
Go back to the e-newsletterThis month Small Luxury Hotels of the World has welcomed three new boutique properties to their luxury collection. With a contemporary Madrid city-centre gem, laid-back luxury vibes in a Caribbean escape and a lavish retreat in the heart of the capital of Laos, there is something to please all independently minded travellers at SLH.French Coco: Tartane, MartiniqueRooms from EUR 300 per night based on two sharingThis brand-new all-suite hotel, opening in July 2016, is the first SLH hotel in Martinique and offers guests a relaxed yet luxurious Creole experience. Located on the north east coast of the island, French Coco sits in the lush grounds of the Caravelle Peninsula nature reserve, a marvellously unspoiled, protected haven, famed for its tropical flora and wildlife. The 17 elegant suites are decorated in raw and natural materials, with soothing shades that bring the outdoors in. After spending the day barefoot on the beach or exploring the charming fishing village of Tartane, guests can enjoy French-style Caribbean-inspired cuisine made with organic, seasonal produce, straight from the hotel’s gardens at the French Coco restaurant. This hotel prides itself on its concierge service and attention to detail; making sure every stay at French Coco is unique and personal.Insider tip: If you’re visiting French Coco for a romantic getaway book the Suite Creole or Suite Caraibes, both of which boast a private pool and secluded seating area for guests to relax in privacy.The President by Akaryn; Vientiane, LaosRooms from 407 USD per night based on two sharingOpening in October 2016, this brand new boutique hotel brings a new level of luxury to the historic city of Vientiane. Originally built as a gift to the Laotians by the Chinese government, this hotel artfully balances traditional Laotian designs with French neoclassical influences. The President has the privilege of being located right in the heart of Vientiane’s most exclusive area. It sits in between the striking Parliament House and the Presidential palace and opposite the Chou Anouvong Park – where you’ll spot locals practicing Tai Chi in the morning and tourists enjoying a beer in the afternoon sun. The 32 spacious rooms and suites boast high ceilings, marble floors and huge windows, many with views of the expansive manicured grounds and the ‘English country-house’ inspired garden maze. The Ayurah Wellness Spa is kitted out for top-to-toe indulgence with exclusive Linda Meredith products and therapies, which again combine the best elements of eastern and western treatments. There are four dining spaces, offering a constantly evolving menu of Mediterranean cuisine, gourmet French fair, traditional Laos delights and a high quality international buffet with a stunning view of the temple.Insider Tip: Just five minutes’ walk down the Mekong River from the hotel is The Spirit House. This lively bar and restaurant in a traditional Laos wooden house is a great place to enjoy the sunset with a backdrop of the river, while sipping quirky cocktails and sampling delicious Vientiane cuisine.Hotel Único: Madrid, SpainRooms from 267 EUR per night based on two sharingDespite its location in the lively Salamanca area of Madrid, once you step inside this converted 19th century palace the mood is calm, peaceful and relaxing. It’s the perfect springboard for a day of historic sightseeing or luxury retail therapy along Madrid’s Golden Mile. The hotel features a private courtyard garden and 44 soundproofed rooms and suites. The Marble mosaics, ornate staircase and high ceilings, paired with Art Deco flourishes, create a quirky and contemporary atmosphere with an aristocratic charm. The hotel’s crowning jewel is its two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Ramón Freixa, one of Madrid’s best restaurants, making Hotel Único a culinary must-visit. On Sundays, guests can enjoy an innovative brunch menu in the courtyard, start off with a strawberry-mint detox juice and follow up with glazed lamb shank or a tuna carpaccio with wakame salad, accompanied by chilled Cava and rounded off by a selection of macaroons, truffles and other deserts. Afterwards guests can unwind at the hotel’s spa, enjoying wellness treatments by skincare brand Natura Bissé.Insider Tip: After exploring the designer boutiques on the Golden Mile, pop by the Mercado De la Paz to purchase some traditional Spanish produce and enjoy a drink and a light meal in one of the market’s rustic tapas bars.Go back to the e-newsletter
RelatedFive flights for £50: bag a bargain now!Five flights for £50: bag a bargain now!6 flights under £50Paris, Berlin, Venice, Barcelona, Croatia and many more – all with flights coming in at less than £50 return.Give the gift of flightXmas Present Experiences: give the gift of flight With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this week we’ve found some steals to three European cities that are known for being some of the most romantic places on Earth. Spend a long weekend or more with your significant other discovering for yourselves just what it is that gives these capitals of romance their claim to fame.Paris (from £9 return) The City of Light is also known as the City of Love, which instantly makes it a no-brainer for a Valentine’s trip. Plentiful pretty parks and promenades are perfect for hand in hand moseying – accompanied at all times, of course, by your personal beret-wearing accordion player.Find cheap flights to Paris. Venice (from £24 return)With waterways as streets and decadent palatial architecture, Venice is the city that doesn’t have to try too hard. More a fairy tale land than anything real, it’s the perfect place to get lost in a dreamy adventure with your dreamy companion. No, seriously – it is. Take a map.Find cheap flights to Venice. Barcelona (from £33 return)If you want your love to last forever, why not visit the city that believes that nothing good should come to an end – certainly not the building of Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia church, still being built 128 years after it was started. Architecture aside, the gothic city by the sea has everything that’s needed for a romance-filled getaway, including maybe even some warm Spanish sun.Find cheap flights to Barcelona.ReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepart14/08/2019Return21/08/2019Cabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map
Bhubaneswar, Aug 22 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today asked the state bureaucracy to take bold decisions keeping people as the focus and assured them of all out support.”Take bold decisions keeping people as the focus. I will stand behind you. All your good work will be recognised and rewarded,” Patnaik told the Team Odisha.Stating that he wants Team Odisha to take the state to the next level of governance, Patnaik said it should be a modern, empowered, progressive New Odisha.While launching the Vision Odisha here, Patnaik said through sheer team work, commitment and pro-people policies, his government has come a long way in the last 17 years to look into the eye of the storm.He claimed the state government has been able to set global benchmarks in disaster management and the country has acknowledged what it has achieved in certain sectors like poverty reduction, reduction of IMR & MMR, ease of doing business, providing rural housing and road connectivity to increasing farmers? incomes and agricultural production and womens empowerment.Patnaik said: “I fully understand that we need to do much more and put Odisha in a place where other states will look up to us.” He said the recognition of Best Administrator in the country is a reflection of the relentless hard work and dedication of Team Odisha.”Its not a mean achievement for a state which suffers from several natural disasters year after year with not much support from successive Central Governments. In spite of this thanks to the resilience of the people of Odisha, we have overcome many odds and reached here,” the Chief Minister added.advertisementRecalling his earlier days in the office, Patnaik said when he took charge in 2000, Odisha was in a state of despair – a state in hopelessly tough situation with endemic poverty, finances in shambles and infrastructure in a pathetic condition, almost at the bottom in most of the socioeconomic indicators.”All of you have worked for the betterment of the state. Without your hard work and commitment we couldnt have walked thus far,” Patnaik said to the members of the bureaucracy in the state.Noting that huge challenges remain before the government, the chief minister said his government stands for people centric governance where the outcome is always measured in terms of empowerment of the citizens.”Our focus on the 3Ts- team work, transparency and technology is well tested to bring about transformation. All of you must provide adequate leadership to your team where each member will work without fear, deliver the schemes and programmes without favour,” he said referring to officers.”Let Team Odisha show to the world the way to transform governance for public good. Let Team Odisha resolve to make the state the best state to live in,” he said.Let Team Odisha create a new brand of development ensuring zero casualty in the face of a super cyclone, build one million houses in two years, better the national average in IMR, move a record 8 million people out of poverty, be the only state to double agricultural income and play a vital role in National Food Security, Patnaik said.Settle the maximum land rights to tribals under the Forest Rights Act, lead the country by having the number one smart city, have half a million tribal students in residential schools, take up the challenge of hosting a global sporting event in 90 days and set benchmarks in that too, he exhorted.The Chief Minister was optimistic that the Team Odisha can deliver. PTI AAM RG PS