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A History of Holiday Inn

The history of Holiday Inn begins in 1952 when Kemmons Wilson, a businessman from Memphis, Tennessee, embarked on a family road trip and encountered the frustrations of inconsistent and often subpar lodging options along the way. Determined to create a better experience for travelers, Wilson envisioned a chain of standardized, high-quality roadside hotels that would offer consistent amenities and services across locations. This vision led to the founding of Holiday Inn, which would revolutionize the hospitality industry and set new standards for affordable lodging.

The first Holiday Inn opened its doors on August 1, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring 120 rooms and a range of amenities such as air conditioning, free parking, on-site restaurants, and swimming pools. Wilson's commitment to consistency and customer satisfaction quickly paid off, as Holiday Inn gained popularity among travelers seeking reliable and comfortable accommodations at affordable prices. The success of the first location prompted rapid expansion, with new Holiday Inn hotels opening across the United States in the following years.

One of the key innovations introduced by Holiday Inn was its iconic Great Sign, a towering beacon that became a symbol of hospitality and welcome for weary travelers. The Great Sign, with its distinctive green and yellow colors and bold lettering, signaled the presence of a Holiday Inn hotel from miles away, providing a sense of reassurance and reliability to travelers on the road. Additionally, Holiday Inn's commitment to quality and consistency extended to its services and amenities, which included standardized room layouts, complimentary toiletries, and attentive customer service.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Holiday Inn continued to expand its footprint both domestically and internationally, becoming one of the largest and most recognizable hotel chains in the world. Its success was fueled in part by strategic partnerships and innovative marketing initiatives, including the introduction of the Holidex computerized reservation system, which revolutionized hotel booking and management. Holiday Inn also played a significant role in advancing the concept of franchising in the hospitality industry, allowing entrepreneurs to own and operate their own Holiday Inn hotels under the brand's established standards and guidelines.

In the decades that followed, Holiday Inn underwent several ownership changes and rebranding efforts as it adapted to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. However, its legacy as a pioneer in the hospitality industry and a symbol of reliable, affordable lodging remained intact. Today, Holiday Inn is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the largest hotel companies in the world, with thousands of locations spanning the globe. While the brand has evolved and diversified over the years, its commitment to providing guests with a comfortable, consistent, and welcoming experience remains as strong as ever, ensuring that the legacy of Holiday Inn continues to thrive in the modern era of travel.
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The Biden DEI avalanche keeps rolling — vote him out before it buries us all

As the Ukraine war rages, China’s power grows and Israel fights for its life against Hamas, America’s intelligence services are focused on . . . woke mumbo-jumbo.

Yep: A recent memo circulated under the auspices of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reminds our would-be James Bonds of “the importance of words” and sings the praises of (for example) “a new framework and language guidelines for how we talk about the People’s Republic of China.”

And pushes cross-dressing as a tool to become a better spy — really, truly featuring an intel officer explaining that wearing dresses and high heels helped him in his work life.

Laugh, cry, or both: This is a direct result of the White House’s bear-hug embrace of DEI at the expense of getting Uncle Sam’s actual work done.

Every minute of manpower burned on nonsense like this, conducted to appease the progressive consultant class and its masters in academia, is a minute taken away from actually pursuing and defending the national interest of the United States.

At least. It may well be a minute spent making it harder for the rest of the federal workforce — and the military! — to do their jobs.

DEI rot is now deep and wide across the executive branch.

On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, mandating an “ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda.”

It’s been an avalanche ever since.

Consider the DEI chief at the State Department, Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley.

She sits in a cork-lined office down the hall from Secretary of State Antony Blinken, presumably making sure he remembers to periodically chastise the Foreign Service about pronoun use.

What about Bishop Garrison, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin?

He insists DEI be a part of every decision the military makes — it’s a “force multiplier,” you see.

No wonder the armed forces can’t meet their recruiting goals: What sane person wants to try defending the nation in a service where nonsense literally rules the roost?

Or witness the Chief Diversity Officers’ Executive Council, a federal working group that gathers enforcers like Abercrombie-Winstanley to coordinate the “effort to embed DEIA principles across the federal government.” (The feds add an “A” for “accessibility,” sigh.)

The council’s vice chair, by the way, is Charlotte Burrows, who led the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to file an insane lawsuit against a Cali moving company for not hiring enough old people.

It’s beyond clear that this mini-Politburo won, at least for the moment.

Just look at what’s happening over at Justice, where DEI requirements are lowering recruitment standards and crippling the FBI’s enforcement abilities.

DEI principles — the elevation of race and gender identity over merit, the endless blaming of all issues on a phantasmagorical “white supremacy” and above all the refusal to focus on matters of grave national concern — are embedded deep in the Biden administration.

And the madness will fester deeper until the voters send Joe permanently home to Delaware.




Lib Host Jon Stewart Overvalued His Home By 829% After Saying Trump Civil Case Is 'Not Victimless'

Virulently anti-Trump comedian and TV host Jon Stewart is facing a backlash after being accused of perpetrating the same behavior that he has criticized former President Donald Trump of committing.

Stewart is facing criticism after attacking Trump over claims that he overvalued some of his properties, a claim lodged against him during the former president’s New York civil case.

The former president has blasted the $454 million appeal bond and his legal team has questioned the ruling and said it is untoward for a "victimless crime."

But Stewart has scoffed at that defense.

Stewart's "The Daily Show" had run a clip of "Shark Tank" star Kevin O’Leary attacking the ruling on CNN and saying that the whole court case is a danger for the entire real estate industry, the New York Post reported.

In the clip, CNN’s Laura Coates replied to O'Leary by pointing out that Trump was accused of falsifying business records in the second degree, along with insurance fraud and making false financial statements, all in connection with an attempt to inflate his assets.

But O'Leary explained that "[e]verything that you just listed off is done by every real estate developer everywhere on Earth in every city. This has never been prosecuted."

After the clip ended, Stweart jumped in to quip, "How is he not this mad about overvaluations in the real world?

"Because they are not victimless crimes," Stewart added.

Stewart continued his attack, saying that, "money isn’t infinite. A loan that goes to the liar doesn’t go to someone who’s giving a more honest evaluation. So the system becomes incentivized for corruption."

He went on to claim that if someone pays lower taxes based on lower property values, then that is fraud.

"The attorney general of New York knew that Trump’s property values were inflated because when it came time to pay taxes, Trump undervalued the very same properties," Stewart exclaimed. "It was all part of a very specific real estate practice known as lying."

Stewart's righteous indignation, though, soon came under fire when social media users began to notice a small flaw in Stewart's pious stance against Trump and his "fraud."

The Post reported that Stewart's 2014 sale of his Tribeca duplex was not all as above-board as the TV host may have contended.

Stewart sold his 6,280-square-foot apartment to financier Parag Pande for $17.5 million. But at the time, the asking price of the property was not made public.

However, according to 2013-2014 assessor's report, the property was only assessed at a market value of only $1.882 million. And the assessor's value came in even lower at $847,174.

The overvaluation added up to a whopping 829 percent, according to the Post.

With all that, it was noted that Stewart paid far less in taxes on a property assessed at a mere $847,174, than he would on a property "worth" $17.5 million.

But even more to the point, Pande resold the property for only around $13 million in 2021, a 26 percent loss.

Stewart's financial windfall caused many to wonder if the TV star committed the same "fraud" that he claimed that Trump committed.


Did @jonstewart commit fraud when he sold his penthouse for $17.5M?

NY listed its market value at $1.8M an AV at around 800k

Who did he He defraud??

I am SHOCKED

SHOCKED pic.twitter.com/9okis96VQP

— Tim Pool (@Timcast) March 26, 2024

The Post added that the tax bill for Stewart's penthouse was assessed in the same way that Trump's was, the same formula that New York Attorney General Letitia James used to claim Trump committed fraud.

"Stewart’s reps did not respond to The Post’s request for comment," the outlet reported.

The Life Cycle of Birch Trees

The life cycle of birch trees begins with the germination of seeds, often aided by factors like sunlight, moisture, and soil composition. Birch seeds are dispersed by wind, relying on favorable conditions to take root and begin their growth process. As seedlings emerge, they establish themselves in the soil, developing a network of roots to absorb nutrients and water from the environment.

As birch trees mature, they progress through various stages of growth, characterized by changes in size, form, and reproductive capacity. During the juvenile stage, young birch trees focus on establishing a strong root system and developing above-ground structure, including branches and foliage. As they enter the adult stage, birch trees reach their maximum height and canopy spread, producing flowers and seeds for reproduction.

Reproduction in birch trees occurs through the dispersal of seeds, which are contained within small, winged structures known as samaras. These seeds are often dispersed by wind or carried by birds and animals to new locations, where they have the potential to germinate and grow into new birch trees. Birch trees are capable of producing seeds annually, with peak seed production typically occurring during the summer months.

Throughout their life cycle, birch trees are subject to various environmental factors and natural disturbances that can impact their growth and survival. Factors such as competition for resources, predation, disease, and adverse weather conditions can influence the health and longevity of birch trees. However, birch trees are resilient species, capable of adapting to a wide range of environmental conditions and regenerating following disturbances.

As birch trees age, they may undergo senescence, a natural process of decline characterized by reduced growth, increased susceptibility to disease, and eventual death. However, birch trees play a vital role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife, contributing to soil health, and enhancing biodiversity. Even in death, birch trees continue to support ecosystem processes, as their decaying wood provides nutrients and shelter for a variety of organisms, completing the life cycle of these iconic and valuable trees.

Unlock the Healing Power of Rick Simpson Oil

In the realm of alternative medicine, few substances have garnered as much attention and acclaim as Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). Named after its creator, Rick Simpson, this cannabis concentrate has gained a reputation for its purported healing properties and therapeutic benefits. In this essay, we will explore the potential benefits of RSO and why it has become a popular choice for individuals seeking natural remedies for various ailments.

Rick Simpson Oil is renowned for its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with chronic pain, inflammation, and neuropathic conditions. With high levels of cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), RSO interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to regulate pain perception and reduce inflammation. Many individuals suffering from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis have reported significant relief from their symptoms after incorporating RSO into their wellness routines.

RSO has shown promise as a complementary therapy for cancer patients undergoing conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Research suggests that cannabinoids found in RSO may possess anti-cancer properties and inhibit the growth and spread of tumors. While more clinical studies are needed to fully understand the efficacy of RSO in cancer treatment, anecdotal evidence and personal testimonials point to its potential as a valuable adjunct therapy for cancer patients seeking symptom relief and improved quality of life.

One of the most compelling aspects of Rick Simpson Oil is its accessibility and ease of use. Unlike other cannabis products that may require specialized equipment or administration methods, RSO can be consumed orally or applied topically, making it accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, RSO can be easily obtained or produced at home using simple extraction techniques, allowing individuals to take control of their health and wellness without relying solely on pharmaceuticals.

Proponents of Rick Simpson Oil emphasize its holistic approach to health and well-being, addressing not only physical symptoms but also psychological and emotional aspects of wellness. Many users report improvements in mood, sleep quality, and overall sense of well-being after incorporating RSO into their daily routines. This holistic approach aligns with the principles of integrative medicine, which seeks to treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease or condition.

Rick Simpson Oil represents a promising alternative for individuals seeking natural remedies for a variety of health concerns. With its potential to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, support cancer therapy, and promote overall wellness, RSO offers a versatile and accessible option for those looking to optimize their health and quality of life. While further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic effects of RSO, its growing popularity and widespread acclaim underscore its potential as a valuable addition to the toolkit of alternative medicine practitioners and wellness enthusiasts alike.

Audiobooks

Anyone else struggle with these? I started listening to podcasts before I really tried audiobooks as a way to consume books. Tried to start listening to audiobooks more in the last year and I treat them just like podcasts where I check in and out and miss a lot while I'm scrolling on my phone. Whereas with physical books I have to put them down to look at my phone. So I don't get through them as quickly as before smartphones existed, but I don't miss more than the odd paragraph or two where I'm absentmindedly reading and catch myself and go back.
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Electrolux Vacuums are the Best

In the realm of household appliances, few brands command as much respect and admiration as Electrolux. With a legacy spanning over a century, Electrolux has consistently revolutionized the way we clean our homes. Among its impressive lineup of products, Electrolux vacuums stand out as the pinnacle of innovation and efficiency. In this essay, we will explore why Electrolux vacuums are the ultimate cleaning solution for every household.

**Firstly**, Electrolux vacuums are renowned for their powerful suction and cutting-edge technology. Equipped with advanced filtration systems and precision-engineered motors, these vacuums effortlessly capture dust, allergens, and debris, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for you and your loved ones. Whether it's tackling carpets, hardwood floors, or upholstery, Electrolux vacuums deliver exceptional performance with every use, leaving no speck of dirt behind.

**Secondly**, versatility is a hallmark of Electrolux vacuums. From cordless stick vacuums for quick cleanups to upright models for deep cleaning sessions, Electrolux offers a diverse range of options to suit every cleaning need. Additionally, features such as adjustable suction power, interchangeable accessories, and intuitive controls make these vacuums incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to effortlessly navigate through various surfaces and obstacles with ease.

**Thirdly**, durability and reliability are inherent qualities of Electrolux vacuums. Crafted from high-quality materials and subjected to rigorous testing, these vacuums are built to withstand the demands of everyday use. Whether you're dealing with pet hair, spilled liquids, or stubborn stains, you can trust that your Electrolux vacuum will rise to the occasion, delivering consistent performance and peace of mind for years to come.

**Furthermore**, Electrolux is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many of their vacuum models are designed with energy-efficient motors and recyclable components, minimizing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener planet. By choosing an Electrolux vacuum, you're not only investing in superior cleaning power but also supporting a brand that prioritizes sustainability and eco-conscious practices.

**In conclusion**, Electrolux vacuums represent the epitome of cleaning excellence. With their unmatched performance, versatility, durability, and commitment to sustainability, Electrolux vacuums offer the ultimate solution for maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. Whether you're a busy parent, a pet owner, or someone who simply values cleanliness and efficiency, Electrolux vacuums are sure to exceed your expectations and make cleaning a breeze. Choose Electrolux and experience the difference firsthand.

Thunderstorms this evening in E IA

Probably below severe limits. Could be some good sized hail potentially.



...Eastern IA/northern IL tonight...
A modifying Gulf of Mexico air mass is returning northward into the
southern Plains, to the east of the lee cyclone in western KS. Some
increase in low-level moisture in a zone of low-level warm
advection, beneath midlevel lapse rates near 7.5 C/km, will support
elevated thunderstorm development early tonight over eastern IA and
storms will subsequently spread eastward over northern IL
(immediately in advance of the weak surface cyclone and ejecting
midlevel speed max). MUCAPE near 1000 J/kg, relatively cool
midlevel temperatures (near -18 C at 500 mb) and modest hodograph
length/curvature may support some low-end/elevated supercells
capable of producing isolated large hail of 1-1.5 inches in diameter
before storm coverage increases and storm intensity decreases late
tonight.

Barbeque

In Haiti, a police officer-turned-gangster is trying to seize control of the country​

Jimmy "Barbeque" Chérizier's forces have laid siege to Haiti’s main international airport, traded fire with troops at government sites and sparked a mass jailbreak.

Jimmy Chérizier, the former Haitian police officer-turned-gangster leading the latest violent campaign to seize control of the country, is nicknamed “Barbeque.”

Chérizier insists it’s because his mother operated a fried chicken stand in the slums of Port-au-Prince.

But critics say it’s a moniker Chérizier earned after staging multiple massacres in the nation’s capital from 2018 to 2020 that, according to the United Nations, left dozens of people dead, many of whom were burned alive when their homes were deliberately torched.

Life as a high level college coach

Coach Matt Painter's comments seems kind of insightful about reality and expectations of certain fans. This made me think of some of most outspoken critics of Ferentz and McCaffery.

“Well, your expectation is your best season,” the unbreakable Purdue coach, Matt Painter, said Thursday. “So this is my 19th season at Purdue, so if we don’t win the Big Ten or get to an Elite Eight, we had a bad year. It’s harsh, but it’s the way it is. So you just want to keep moving that bar so like — you know, some of the [coaches] that get treated unfairly, I’d love to be them. I’d love to be someone who wins a national championship and goes to Final Fours and then you get to a Sweet 16 and like, ‘What the hell happened?’ I’d love to have that issue, right? But that’s what we’re working towards.”
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