Kolton Lapa Named USC Men's Golf Assistant Coach July 03 Advertiser DisclosureAdvertiser Disclosure 492 Published Articles 783 Edited Articles 61 Published Articles 3583 Edited Articles Opinions and recommendations are ours alone my wife and I spent 3 nights at the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel a Marriott property in northern Portugal’s largest city The hotel opened less than a year before our visit and everything still looked shiny during our stay but the internet could definitely use an upgrade and the light switches were unnecessarily complicated But if that’s all I have to complain about and the perks we received because of my Marriott Bonvoy status Here’s what our stay was like and why you should consider staying here if you visit Porto The Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel is part of Marriott Bonvoy‘s Renaissance brand I could’ve paid 69,000 points for our 3-night reservation The hotel offered standard rooms for €121 (~$131) per night during our stay. Using 23,000 points per night at this price would have given a value of 0.57 cents per point, which is quite low given our valuation of Marriott Bonvoy points we paid the cash rate for the Deluxe King City View I applied a Nightly Upgrade Award to this reservation and received an email confirmation of this clearing 2 days before our arrival While the suites do not appear to be bookable with points the nightly rates run about €100 (~$108) more per night over the standard room I also earned double Elite Night Credits and 1,000 bonus points per night during our stay Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardMarriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays Welcome OfferEarn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) plus 50,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases.Up to 3 Free Night Awards + 50,000 pointsUP's Offer Valuation*:Up to $1,400Annual Fee$95APR20.49% - 27.49% VariableCredit RecommendedUpgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8 one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.Good to Excellent (670-850)Why We Like This CardIf you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status) Marriott Bonvoy I came away with 12,334 points and 6 Elite Night Credits from this stay The Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel isn’t in the historic old city of Porto near the Douro River and the hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Lapa metro station which we found really convenient during our stay we could get anywhere we wanted to go in the city The old town also could be reached by walking for about 20 minutes the train to the airport (line E) stops at Lapa you can transfer to a metro line or catch a taxi to the hotel The walkway between the hotel and the Lapa metro stop had a lot of uneven pavement and rocks we decided to take an Uber to the Trindade metro station (the next stop) before catching the metro line that runs to the airport rather than rolling our heavy suitcases on this path Pulling up in front of the hotel with our Uber driver we could instantly tell this property was new greeting us in both English and Portuguese He ushered us into the lobby while he stayed behind to gather our belongings from the trunk We checked in with a young employee in training while a supervisor ensured everything went smoothly The Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel opened at the end of April 2023 — less than a year before our stay In addition to the confirmed upgrade, we received several additional benefits from my Titanium Elite status and either 1,000 bonus points or a $10 food and beverage credit (per stay We also were given complimentary daily breakfast which isn’t guaranteed at all hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy brand we were told that the items in the minibar in our room were complimentary and would be restocked daily by housekeeping Tea and coffee were provided for us at no charge each morning at the bar These benefits provided a considerable amount of free food and drinks and waived parking fees (though we didn’t need this perk) There also was an offer of 24/7 butler service There were 3 elevators between the lobby and the restaurant These arrived quickly whenever we needed them and were consistently clean The elevators had a wood-and-mirrors design that made them look much bigger than they were Just 3 or 4 people in an elevator felt very full brass placards listed the floors and their amenities The pool was on the fifth floor — the top floor of the hotel — and accessed through automatic sliding doors With the construction going on behind the hotel As the pool and bar were half a flight of stairs above the entryway there was a mobility lift for those who needed it flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows on 2 sides to provide views during a workout We originally thought the rings hanging from the ceiling were for exercise but they were just for decoration — each with lights built into the wooden handle The fitness center wasn’t large in any sense of the word Wi-Fi at the hotel left something to be desired Self-parking was available for €15 per day (~$16) Parking was available in 2 underground garage floors The hotel had several seating areas around the property It even had heat lamps for the cool evenings and restaurant also provided additional seating though you could have a maximum of 1 pet in your room The maximum weight for your pet was 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and there was a nonrefundable pet fee of €45 per night ($49) there was a surprising amount of meeting and event space Rooms could be divided or opened up to create a 700-seat convention room Multiple conferences were happening at the hotel during our stay and this place was buzzing throughout the day There were also toilets for guests and several chairs and sofas for waiting comfortably between sessions Getting off the elevator on the fourth floor We immediately noticed the almost hidden nature of the rooms and the ice machine found only because of this subdued lettering next to a part of the wooden wall paneling that opened with the door only noticeable because of the number and the handle — next to this lamp we found an entryway with much more than just a door and a coat hook A drawer underneath had tea and coffee supplies a sliding door led to a smaller bathroom that I’ll call the guest bathroom there was a living room that wasn’t large but also didn’t feel cramped and a bowl of fruit with a welcome note on the desk The note welcomed us and thanked me for my brand loyalty we were surprised to find scuffs and evidence of touch-up paint on the corner from the entryway into the living room I really liked the layout and soft palette There was a full-length mirror on one side of the bed Other furniture included a chair and lamp in the corner and a TV opposite the bed there was a desk with a chair and a mirror (that was a surprise) the pillows were the type where you put your head on them and then fall through the pillow into nothingness and control panel with both light switches and outlets We were surprised that such a new property had USB-A charging points but didn’t use universal outlets there was a generous closet with glass doors The drawers in the center compartment had laundry bags (plus a price list for laundry service) The light switches left something to be desired Some of the icons for what type of light the switch controlled didn’t make sense to us so we got in the habit of just pushing buttons until we found the light we wanted We also loved how closing the bathroom door (right side) and living room door (left side) isolated the bedroom from sound and light with the help of some fantastic blackout curtains This made the room very dark and quiet at night The master bathroom was the only area with a standard door We loved the dual sinks and ample counter space here There was an outlet and a makeup mirror with a ring light on one side the shower had a glass wall and glass door Options for rainfall and handheld showerheads were available We’d never heard of the Tokyo Milk brand before we had a very small balcony with a half-glass wall letting in fresh air With the massive construction project going on outside we assumed this would also let in a lot of dust Views over the construction site weren’t much The not-great view from our room.Advertisement The hotel’s sole restaurant was to the left of the elevators — the opposite direction of the check-in desk — and past the bar A sign at the entrance said to wait to be seated and arriving before the breakfast rush meant you could choose your preferred type and location offering something for everyone in your group And the offerings included various types of food from different countries always including some type of Portuguese dish and some type of potato there were hash browns and a local fish dish one morning Staff also provided an egg menu each morning And you could get apple juice or orange juice from the staff but we found the orange juice really tart and didn’t get it after the first day We had difficulty getting a clear answer on times for lunch and dinner as these seemed to change depending on who we asked While the hotel’s website lists it as “open for lunch and dinner,” we never saw anyone having lunch here the rooftop bar served more than just drinks; it also had light bites and desserts There were both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options and there were good vantage points over the city we also found a breakfast ordering card that we could hang on the door the night before — much like what you might find on a cruise ship or in many U.S This was convenient if you wanted breakfast in bed Service was consistently good at the hotel “This was exceptional,” but an overall pattern of good service without letdowns made for a positive experience Let’s look at some examples of how the staff provided continuously good service Despite the hotel being very busy with conventions and guests The hotel’s public spaces were super clean at all times I had to wait for a handful of other people to place their orders the bartender still found time to smile at patrons and work efficiently without appearing flustered And breakfast staff each morning greeted us in a friendly manner (in both English and Portuguese as they weren’t sure which language guests would prefer) before showing us to a table and providing the eggs menu before we dug into the buffet That’s a tricky combination at a busy hotel the cleaning crew did a thorough job of not just cleaning but also restocking the minibar was that the hotel used paper “do not disturb” signs instead of something sturdier or digital but a lot of good moments of service added up to a great experience When we rolled our suitcases out of the elevator staff at the front desk already took that as a sign we were checking out and saved what they were working on so they could attend to us The friendly woman at the counter asked us to check that we had our passports and other documents then a bellhop offered to help with our luggage as our Uber driver arrived While Wi-Fi was slow and the view over a construction site was drab there were many positives at the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel I’d definitely stay here again if I went back to Porto The hotel has a total of 250 rooms across 5 floors Renaissance is one of the Marriott Bonvoy brands That means you can book this hotel with Marriott Bonvoy points just like you can with other Marriott Bonvoy-participating hotels Renaissance is one of the luxury brands within Marriott Bonvoy That means you can expect quality design features and upscale amenities The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and is letting his wife choose their destinations he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter We respect your privacy. 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has not been influenced or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer The five-year extension follows a six-year collaboration between the two parties operations will be based at Jacarepaguá airport in Rio de Janeiro with aircraft selected to meet TotalEnergies' operational needs ShareSaveCommentLifestyle TravelWhy Olissippo Lapa Palace Is Lisbon At Its Most PolishedByJohn Oseid Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights travel writer John Oseid can be found in NYC or LA.Follow AuthorAug 05 10:00am EDTShareSaveCommentYou’d be hard pressed to find a quieter corner in Lisbon than the Lapa district this hilly city of curvy streets doesn’t have many corners per se but refined Lapa stands out for its embassies and consulates all haunts of the city’s Old World personages The Olissippo Lapa Palace anchors the elegant Lapa district of embassies and consulates Right as you hit the iron gates and enter the courtyard you’re greeted by a lovely and huge calçada paving stone mosaic featuring two calligraphic double looped letters L one of them centered in an orange sunburst Enormous floral arrangements in the main hall of the original palace As do the first of enough chandeliers to light up the neighborhood For all its quiet grandeur, the Leading Hotels of the World member property is known for discreetly hosting dignitaries and celebrities and you may even find yourself sitting on a breakfast patio near rock stars who perform in town (even if Springsteen Bono and other celeb royalty of our age who stay here likely stick to room service) Pool gardens turn the Olissippo Lapa Palace into an urban resort the Lapa Palace is really an urban resort hotel The enormous tropical and Mediterranean shade trees in the spacious pool garden The lushness will all pop at you when you step onto your balcony in the Garden Wing that was added when Lapa Palace became a hotel a few decades ago as will the view of the great Tagus river estuary beyond the property Should you be sun averse and choose not to lie on a chaise lounge on the cool grass there is an indoor pool as well in the property spa The Lapa Palace style is often described as from the eras of João V If you’re not familiar with those 18th- and 19th-century Portuguese monarchs you’ll get the drift quickly with the brocade curtains and the overall gilded plushness of your rich aunt’s Upper East Side apartment The property further describes its 109 rooms rooms and suites over both wings as Art Deco you’ll always find plenty of Portugal’s signature azulejo tiles including in the marble bathrooms that come with a soaking tub porcelain comes from northern Portugal’s Vista Alegre factory fine stained glass is set in the Eca de Queiroz drawing room off the lobby and various historic portraits show past owners The hallway en route from the original palace to the new wing has several boutiques including Alexander Laut jewelry and an arts shop with plenty of tile plate works The Eca de Queiroz Lounge is just off the Olissippo Lapa Palace's main hall Chef Hélder Santos’s tasting menu in the Lapa Restaurant includes a passion fruit marinated beetroot salad and other starters the likes of which you have likely never sampled before Perhaps you’ll need to inquire also about the mussel stuffed piquillo pepper and chlorophyll sauce that accompanies the braised hand-fished sea bass But surely you can suss out low temperature confit black pork suckling pig and guests can always enjoy tea time at the Rio Tejo piano bar When you do finally step out from your walled garden retreat, you can easily walk to the National Museum of Ancient Art (MNAA) itself housed in a late-17th-century palace once owned by the brother of Portugal’s powerful Marquis of Pombal whose portrait hangs in the hotel You’ll find furnishings and textiles from the same periods as those found in the Lapa Palace Should you wish to plunge into the melee of tourists and the digital nomads who have taken over Lisbon, a five-minute Uber ride from the palace takes you to the starting point of the celebrated and super fun tram No. 28 that goes all the way to the ancient Alfama district. You’ll be more than ready afterward to recover in your Lapa Palace luxury refuge. Set in lawned gardens on a quiet back street in Santa Teresa this mansion house is a short cab ride from central Lapa It also happens to be the former home of millionaire art collector Raymundo Castro Maya and his collection still hangs in the stately rooms and corridors You’ll find important pieces by European artists including Modigliani and key Brazilians like Di Cavalcanti who painted Carioca women and apolitical Rio scenes in the style of Mexico’s Diego Rivera Go at night for the lively bustle of casual street drinking and amateur live music where alfresco tables dot a tropical garden just as the sun sinks behind the mountains Flamengo beach and glistening Guanabara Bay The menu of seafood and spicy moqueca stews is good but the view is the main reason to come here PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / shutterstock Traditional Lapa weekend nights used to begin with an ice-cold beer on Beco do Rato – rat alley – the nickname for the narrow cobbled streets lined with simple hole-in-the-wall bars around Joaquim Silva street The area has gone upmarket of late and the bars have become samba clubs It takes its name from the alley itself and still serves ice-cold beer together with Brazilian tapas (petiscos) and most nights there’s live samba Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Bargain hunt at Feira Do Lavradio Market takes place every first Saturday of the month on Rua do Lavradio and is the spot for timeless antiques A whole street opens its doors and fills up with stalls presenting anything and everything from clothes and bags to ornaments and furniture it’s hard to imagine a better place in Rio The place to go for national and international music in Rio is Circo Voador a cultural space in Lapa where live acts continue throughout the week and weekend from rock and metal (AC/DC have performed here in the past) to samba and funk The outdoor terrace is fringed with palm trees providing breathing and drinking space from the tent-covered dance floor that usually gets extremely crowded There are also ongoing workshops in capoeira Since the Brazilian government decriminalized street art in 2009 Rio de Janeiro has fostered a flourishing scene with various artists making their mark throughout the city and Lapa is home to various artworks that portray aspects of the local culture with the walls around the Escadaria Selaron and its arches boasting many of Lapa’s finest works f11photo / Shutterstock The white arches of Lapa remain the same as they were when first constructed in the mid-18th century as an aqueduct Nowadays they are a popular meeting place and serve as an entrance into Lapa’s buzzing nightlife Some of the best street parties are held here with stalls dishing out mega-sized caipirinhas and other cocktails with generous portions of cachaca Alex Robinson contributed additional reporting to this article Sarah is a British freelance journalist and writer based in Rio de Janeiro Her favourite travel experiences so far include swimming with whale sharks in Mexico trekking through Rio's urban forest and enjoying the city life in Madrid Guides & Tips The Best Hiking Trails in Ilha Grande See & Do The Top 10 Things to Do in Curitiba Guides & Tips A Complete Guide To Pão De Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) See & Do 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Ouro Preto See & Do A One-Week Rio de Janeiro Itinerary Guides & Tips The Best Non-European Destinations to Escape to This Spring See & Do The 15 Best Destinations to Visit in Brazil See & Do The Best Amazon Locations for Seeing Wildlife See & Do The 8 Best Things To Do In Barra Da Tijuca Guides & Tips The Most Picturesque Spots in Sao Paulo See & Do The Best Hidden Gems In Rio de Janeiro Only Locals Know About See & Do 15 Stunning Natural Wonders in South America That Will Take Your Breath Away US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Shell’s recent decision to sanction development of the 370-million-barrel Gato do Mato field in the pre-salt Santos Basin is set to solidify Brazil’s status in the company’s percentage share of liquids production The London-listed major has greenlighted development of the 2010 discovery via a large floating production the company’s first operated scheme in Brazil since its approval in 2013 of fields within the BC-10 license Shell is also only the third major international operator outside of state giant Petrobras to have sanctioned a major upstream project in Brazil since 2019 after French major TotalEnergies reached a final investment decision (FID) in 2023 on its Lapa South-West project in the Santos Basin that is being developed as a tieback to the existing Lapa FPSO along with the approval and development of the Equinor-operated Bacalhau and BM-C-33 units in 2021 and 2023 Gato do Mato’s FID adds to a plethora of significant projects in the Santos and Campos basins that together could help Brazil edge closer to 5 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil production by the end of the decade ShareXGato do Mato lies in the prolific pre-salt area of the Santos Basin in water depths ranging from 1,750 to 2,050 meters awarded by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) regulator to Shell in 2005 a production sharing agreement obtained in 2017 by a consortium consisting of Shell as operator on 80% and Total (now called TotalEnergies) on 20% representing a lengthy lead time between discovery and development the field was finally appraised in 2019 and 2020 Shell also farmed out a 30% interest in the Gato do Mato project pre-salt gas-condensate discovery covering two neighboring blocks to Colombian state player Ecopetrol in 2019 with TotalEnergies holding the remaining 20% Gato do Mato was initially planned to be approved in 2022 but was delayed due to cost escalations The recently approved development plan includes the installation of an FPSO with production capacity of up to 120,000 bpd of oil by drilling 12 development wells four gas injectors and two water injectors The field development is likely to cost around $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion Gato do Mato is also the first offshore project to be sanctioned in Brazil after 2023 by companies outside of state giant Petrobras as an operator have now approved about $22 billion in greenfield capital expenditure for Brazilian offshore projects approved since 2019 Gato do Mato is expected to begin producing by 2029 and will ramp up to peak production of about 100,000 bpd of oil by the beginning of the next decade cementing the role of Brazil in Shell’s gross liquids production The project development adds to the fleet of FPSO developments in the South American country while also contributing towards the country’s liquids supply a crucial contributor of non-OPEC offshore liquids supply growth The produced gas will initially be reinjected to maintain reservoir pressure support and Shell may collaborate with other operators with an option to export gas to onshore facilities Brazil is one of Shell’s most significant areas of operation and a key contributor to the company’s total liquids production along with some other project approvals towards the end of the decade is likely to propel Brazil’s contribution towards Shell’s liquids production from about 18% in 2020 to 23% in 2035 This would see Brazil maintaining pole position in the major’s portfolio since it replaced the US in 2023 with the liquids contribution from the US likely to decline from slightly over 25% in 2020 to 9% by 2035 The development of new projects not only adds to the company’s production but also aids in sustaining Brazil’s liquids (crude/condensate) production and progress towards the targeted 5 million bpd Brazil may fall short and is likely to see a decline in production towards the second half of this decade primarily driven by declining pre-salt production and a lack of major exploratory success at pre-salt prospects in recent years This calls for continued investment and a ramp-up in exploration activity to unearth substantial volumes to be developed Upstream Researchpalzor.shenga@rystadenergy.com (The data and/or forecasts in this column are Rystad Energy's Town Manager Jamie Sullivan said they decided to re-open the case filed against Jessica Lapa Beals and Elliot Beals in Rockingham Superior Court after it came to light they still had pigs on their property A saga that goes back years, the Bealses have been the subject of neighborhood complaints to numerous town bodies for violating Hampton’s zoning ordinances by keeping livestock – namely goats hogs and chickens – on their .2-acre property Erica de Vries, who lives in the neighborhood, has long complained about the animals getting loose and running amok Those judgments also resulted in the goats and sheep being removed by the NHSPCA in July 2022 the hogs and chickens remained on the property The town of Hampton filed its own lawsuit against the Bealses on Oct to remove the remaining livestock from the property Previous story: Hampton neighbors at odds over rogue goats, hogs destroying yards The Bealses reached a negotiated settlement with the town in May 2023 which required they comply with town zoning remove the hogs and pay the town’s legal fees of more than $8,000 De Vries said the Bealses never got rid of the pigs and the town never enforced the settlement She complained to the Select Board in January 700-pound hogs that are living in our neighborhood depressing property values and making life rather unlivable for the people who live there," De Vries said at the time Sullivan said this week the town re-opened the case once it had evidence that the pigs were on the property He said they decided to file the contempt motion because the Beals violated the settlement with the town on two issues by having prohibited animals on the property (pigs) and not paying the town as required by the Court,” Sullivan said “The presence of the animal(s) was anonymously reported to the Building Inspector who followed up by speaking with the owner Jessica Beals did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment De Vries said she was pleased the town was finally taking action why is it taking this long for the town to act when (the Bealses) have been in violation of the town’s settlement for a very long time?” de Vries said during a recent interview “When the town of Hampton enters into a negotiated settlement with someone the Select Board should be enforcing that settlement The burden of tracking this should not fall to residents.” Sullivan said the reason for the delay was because the town needed a witness that the pigs were still on the property to file the court motion He said the building inspector previously attempted to verify the situation but was not allowed into the home BREAKING NEWS: Details at press time are still sketchy but TALKERS has learned that longtime radio industry executive Steve Lapa passed away this morning (6/28) at the age of 72 Cause of death is not available at press time Lapa was the CEO and founder of South Florida-based media marketing firm He was a widely read TALKERS columnist whose weekly “Pending Business” commentary was a source of information and inspiration to radio sellers across the nation and one of the trade publication’s most popular features He also recently appeared as the moderator of the “Generating News/Talk Revenue” panel at the recent TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond conference – a role he also played at the 2023 installment of the TALKERS conference Lapa was highly active as an advisor to Newsmax Media for the past decade in the development of its multimedia operations including Newsmax Radio then working through the ranks of programming became the youngest general manager in the US of a group owned top 30 DMA radio station WGRQ Continually assigned to lead turnaround properties Steve focused on delivering revenue and audience growth through the insightful opportunities blending on-air talent creating unique programming with high-profile event partnerships developed in the early era of superstar stadium concerts proved highly profitable across program channels Steve held upper-level management positions at 28 radio and TV stations for public and privately held companies from South Florida to San Francisco One of his most recent positions was as VP/GM of talker WFTL After successfully managing and innovating for others Steve and financial partner Myer Feldman co-founded Ardman Broadcasting of Florida and Cape Cod to acquire underdeveloped broadcast assets which were developed then divested at 200-400% returns Steve went on as founder of his own Lapcom Communications generating the same results at his wholly owned stations Lapcom Communications was the parent company for Lapa’s current business activities until his death today More information including arrangements will be posted when available Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content With President Donald Trump having failed to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office—as he had promised—Europe faces a profound choice: either take a decisive role in securing peace in Ukraine securing a lasting peace in Ukraine is "essential if we are to deter Putin from further aggression in the future." Is there, then, a route to lasting peace in Ukraine? Yes. Ukraine can invite European troops (not under a NATO banner) onto its territory to protect its sovereignty and keep peace on the borders of Europe The classic example being the U.S.-UK-French deployment in West Berlin during the Cold War One has to underline that the troops should not be on a peacekeeping mission We've been there and done that: Ukraine had the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission from 2014 to 2022 whose main purpose was to observe and report on the security situation in Ukraine in an impartial and objective manner The force was not meant to provide deterrence and Russia maintained its troops in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk even before launching its full-scale invasion in 2022 We should not repeat the same mistakes. Europe is capable of stationing a robust rapid-reaction force within Ukraine without NATO involvement, as long as it finds the political will. The declaration by Starmer is a good sign, as he stated that he is "ready and willing" to put British troops on the ground to help guarantee its security as part of a peace deal Protecting Ukraine would also signal that the EU is serious about its defence and demonstrate to the wavering United States that the EU is a capable partner they must be prepared to engage directly in Ukraine Foreign involvement in the war is not something new The West has been supporting the Ukrainian defense without involvement of its troops for three years Russia has brought North Korean troops into the war launched intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the city of Dnipro and committed war crimes throughout the territory it holds That is why Europe must now help Ukrainians by providing weapons to force Russia to the negotiating table and then secure a peace agreement through its military presence Russia has never indicated it would make concessions to Ukraine without being forced to. Dimitri Suslov, an advisor to the Kremlin, stated in an interview in January that "Ukraine must either agree to all Russian demands or cease to exist geographically." Meanwhile Europeans are already discussing the idea of resuming Russian gas imports—an idea which shows European weakness gas imports should be used as an economic lever toward ending the war Europe must learn from past mistakes. Establishing a fragile peace without solid security guarantees is merely a recipe for a future war—one in which Europeans, particularly people of the Baltic nations, would be the first to fight. Indeed, the former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said "From the perspective of frontline countries it may seem like nobody else will understand these dangers until their parliaments' windows are blown in by a T-72 I think it will probably be too late to negotiate a joint EU defense budget." Ukrainians chose to fight because the alternative was to cease existing as a nation They are paying the ultimate price with their lives Europe must now realize the existential threat that Russia poses and take the risks involved in guaranteeing peace the European Union risks being remembered as the bloc that failed because it refused to fight for itself and its values European boots on the ground in Ukraine would aid Ukraine and help prevent Europe fading into total irrelevance Viktoriia Lapa is a Lecturer in Law at Bocconi University an Affiliated Scholar at the Center for Constitutional Studies & Democratic Development and Assistant Professor at Alfred Nobel University in Dnipro The views expressed in this article are the writer's own Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground Newsweek is committed to journalism that is factual and fair We value your input and encourage you to rate this article Newsletters in your inbox See all Vision-Language-Action Models (VLA) for robotics are trained by combining large language models with vision encoders and then fine-tuning them on various robot datasets; this allows generalization to new instructions various real-world robot datasets mostly require human control Internet video data offers many examples of human behavior and physical interactions at scale presenting a better approach to overcome the limitations of small learning from internet videos is a bit tough for two reasons: most online videos don’t have clear labels for their corresponding actions and the situations shown in web videos are very different from the environments that robots work in trained on extensive internet-scale datasets encompassing text have demonstrated understanding and generating text-to-print and multimodal data or constructing a conversational-style instruction dataset using robot trajectory data during VLA training has improved performance these methods still heavily rely on labeled action data which limits the scalability of developing general VLAs since they will be bounded by the amount of robotic data made available through human teleoperation Training Robot Policies from Videos contain rich information about dynamics and behavior which can be potentially beneficial for robot learning Some recent works explore the benefits of video generative models pre-trained on human videos for downstream robotic tasks Another line of work aims to learn useful information from human videos by learning from interactions or visual traces extracted from human videos Another line of work aims to learn robot manipulation policies by retargeting human motions to robot motions These works rely on off-the-shelf models such as hand pose estimators or motion capture systems to retarget the human motions directly to robot motions Existing methods for training robots are either task-specific or require perfectly combined human-robot data Some approaches label large datasets with small amounts of action-labeled data to train robots but they still have issues with scaling according to the need. and Allen Institute for AI proposed Latent Action Pre Training for General Action models (LAPA) an unsupervised method that leverages internet-scale videos without robot action labels They proposed this method to learn from internet-scale videos that do not have robot action labels LAPA involves training an action quantization model leveraging VQ-VAE-based objective to learn discrete latent actions between image frames then pre-train a latent VLA model to predict these latent actions from observations and task descriptions and finally fine-tune the VLA on small-scale robot manipulation data to map from latent to robot actions Experimental results demonstrate that the method proposed significantly outperforms existing techniques that train robot manipulation policies from large-scale videos it outperforms the state-of-the-art VLA model trained with robotic action labels on real-world manipulation tasks that require language conditioning and semantic generalization to unseen instructions LAPA consists of two pretraining stages followed by fine-tuning to connect latent actions to real robotic actions a VQ-VAE-based method is used to break down actions into smaller basic parts without needing any set categories for those actions The second stage involves behavior cloning where a Vision-Language Model predicts latent actions from video observations and task descriptions The model is then fine-tuned on a small robot manipulation dataset to learn the mapping from latent to robotic actions which stands for the proposed Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model despite being trained only on human manipulation videos It shows better performance than larger robotic datasets like Bridgev2 and is 30-40 times more efficient in pretraining using only 272 H100 hours compared to OPENVLA’s 21,500 A100-hours LAPA’s performance benefits from larger models and datasets but there are diminishing returns at certain scales proving effective in tasks involving human manipulation simulations demonstrate LAPA’s ability to plan robot actions based on simple instructions highlighting its potential for use in complex robotic systems LAPA significantly improves robotic performance in tasks both in simulations and real-world scenarios compared to previous methods that also rely on unlabeled video It even outperforms the current best model that uses labeled actions by 6.22% and it is over 30 times more efficient in pretraining LAPA is a scalable pre-training method for building VLAs using actionless videos Across three benchmarks spanning both simulation and real-world robot experiments it showed that this method significantly improves transfer to downstream tasks compared to existing approaches It also presented a state-of-the-art VLA model that surpasses current models trained on 970K action-labeled trajectories it demonstrated that LAPA could be applied purely to human manipulation videos where explicit action information is absent and the embodiment gap is substantial. LAPA underperforms compared to action pretraining when it comes to fine-grained motion generation tasks like grasping Increasing the latent action generation space could help address this issue LAPA also encounters latency challenges during real-time inference where a smaller head predicts actions at a higher frequency could potentially reduce latency and improve fine-grained motion generation LAPA shows camera movements but hasn’t been tested beyond manipulation videos This work can be expanded to create scalable robot models and support future research [Upcoming Live Webinar- Oct 29, 2024] The Best Platform for Serving Fine-Tuned Models: Predibase Inference Engine (Promoted) Nazmi Syed is a consulting intern at MarktechPost and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur She has a deep passion for Data Science and actively explores the wide-ranging applications of artificial intelligence across various industries Nazmi is committed to understanding and implementing cutting-edge innovations in real-world contexts Bocconi University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK View all partners It’s clear that the decision to resist was made by the Ukrainian population and they are grateful to the EU for its support hopes that Ukraine can repel the invaders are fading “As long as it takes” for the EU translates to “as many of your lives as we can afford to sacrifice” but the west has not communicated a commitment to fully engage in stopping Russian aggression and deterring future threats it seems focused on a policy of “de-escalation management” What is even more concerning is the absence of a coherent strategy for managing Russia What would the EU do in the event that the war were to magically end tomorrow or will EU leaders simply offer Russia a reset The EU has excelled in rhetoric when it comes to Ukraine but has fallen short in delivering military support It remains reluctant to draw firm red lines for Russia as a response to attacks on European soil or to adopt a more assertive stance Various news outlets have reported that the result is a grim picture on the front line, where for every shell fired by Ukraine, Russian forces are firing ten or more The EU must adopt a proactive approach to securing peace in Ukraine recognising that Russia is currently unwilling to negotiate – but would also never negotiate from a position of weakness A clear strategy – including security guarantees for Ukraine preferably through a pathway to Nato membership – could help put pressure on Russia and facilitate negotiations It’s clear that bringing Ukraine into Nato might take years European countries should consider deploying troops to Ukraine as a security guarantee for this interim period As the Lithuanian minister of foreign affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, rightly said: “At the beginning of the year Emmanuel Macron hinted at putting boots on the ground reacting to escalation instead of reversing it Macron’s ideas should now be revisited – better late than never.” Security agreements do of course exist between Ukraine and its EU and G7 partners but not a single country has hinted at a possibility of providing such a security guarantee as “troops on the ground” And with a view to what happens after the Russian aggression in Ukraine the EU needs at least the beginnings of an idea about what its terms would be for re-engaging with Russia Otherwise it risks enabling Russia to set its own terms pulsating with anger against the West and – as Zelenskyy hinted last week – probably seeking to acquire nuclear weapons The rest of the world concluding that the West is a paper tiger Xi Jinping encouraged to have a go at Taiwan Biden and Harris going down in history as the leaders who ‘lost Ukraine’ One could add: the EU faces disintegration Ursula von der Leyen is remembered as the leader whose “as long as it takes” policy resulted in an epic failure to secure a safer future for Europe and Ukraine Does the west want to see itself in this way Among the causes that affect the conservation of Patella ferruginea in the face of a general increase in the population of this species in recent years local population declines have been detected in breakwaters usually used for sport fishing due to their easy access The awareness-raising actions are directed towards specific sectors – fishing and shellfishing – to raise awareness of the relevance of preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable fishing dissemination actions will be carried out among the youngest about endangered species that are within their own locality the project proposes meetings in sport fishing clubs and the distribution in the regional federations of informative brochures so that fishermen when they receive their federation license at the beginning of the year have information about the species social communication campaigns aimed at the general population will try to fill the gaps in current informative materials The axis of actions focused on young people will be carried out with face-to-face activities in schools through the organization of research seminars evaluating the materials designed in the campaign and their application in the classrooms These actions are intended to make Patella ferruginea a reason and flagship species to raise awareness in society of the need to take care of all coastal organisms Conservation of the endangered species Patella ferruginea through awareness-raising Raise awareness among fishermen and shellfish gatherers about the protection and recovery of Patella ferruginea to make fishing sustainable without causing effects on the ecosystem Raise awareness among students and teachers through informative talks in educational centers and seminars with teachers in the main areas where the species is present Raise awareness among the general population through exhibitions A1- Analysis of beliefs about the Patella: Initial evaluation of fishermen’s beliefs about the conservation problems of a species of limpet through discussion groups A2- Preparation of informative material on Patella ferruginea: Preparation of an informative brochure and teaching materials (didactic guidelines for teachers according to the official curricula of the Autonomous Communities and cities) A3- Dissemination actions with fishing clubs: Organize informative meetings in fishing clubs (2-hour sessions) A4- Educational dissemination actions: Activities with students in educational centers (talks) and seminars with teachers (1 session of 2 hours) A5- Dissemination actions for society in general: Travelling exhibition on the biology and condition of Patella ferruginea lasting at least two weeks in each locality Media campaign development- Social media campaigns (facebook “The limpet that gives the can” is the name of the awareness campaign promoted in this project that has managed to involve different sectors in the dissemination of information about the preservation of Patella ferruginea To analyse the degree of knowledge and beliefs associated with Patella among professionals in the fishing sector a survey was prepared and sent to all sport fishing federations fishermen’s guilds and local action groups (GALPs) in the areas of the area of action 79 professionals from seven cities participated: Cádiz a report was prepared that concludes that this species is relatively well known among fishermen and that they are aware of the legislation that protects it and the sanctions that derive from its plundering information campaigns are considered necessary in the areas where it is still preserved a face-to-face workshop was held at the IES Mediterráneo de la Línea in addition to seminars for teachers held over two days which were attended by 20 teachers to work on the first draft of the Guide to Didactic Guidelines 11 online workshops were held in five schools in Cádiz with the participation of 764 students and 394 views of the videos on YouTube the Didactic Guidelines Guide was presented in an online seminar for teachers a number of dissemination and awareness-raising activities were organized for the general population a travelling exhibition was organised on the biology and condition of Patella ferruginea with more than 5,000 visitors during the 162 days of exhibition in the towns of Puerto de Santa María El Ejido (Almería) and the Autonomous City of Melilla Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email Vale da Lapa a luxury resort located just a kilometre from the ocean near Carvoeiro has announced a new ownership and investment programme for their townhouses “The 2-bedroom townhouses are basically the dream scenario for anyone looking for a holiday home”, Michael Stock, Vale da Lapa’s head of sales “The properties are spread across the resort which is marketed under the term village resort and anyone that’s ever visited will understand why that’s a fair description.” “There’s a very convivial feel to the whole resort” “Highlighted by the fact that you can often find parents sitting on the 1st floor terrace with a glass of wine and they watch their kids running around enjoying the communal garden spaces on the ground level.” The townhouses have recently undergone extensive renovations with Michael calling the new style “a harmonious blend of classical Algarve architecture with some modern touches” Vale da Lapa has been renting out its properties since 2010 and they have already garnered a stellar reputation long before this latest venture It currently boasts a 9.3/10 review score on booking.com and achieved an average occupancy rate of 78 percent in 2024 “What is being offered to potential buyers is the opportunity to acquire a holiday home within a resort that has already more than proven itself” “Owners get to use the townhouses when they have time to travel and then rent out the properties when they are not in Portugal themselves meaning you still get benefits when you’re not able to stay there yourself.” The townhouses will remain in the rental market with their new owners earning a portion of the rental income “taking advantage of the very strong operation that Vale da Lapa already boasts” soon-to-be owners are presented with five different packages to choose from which will determine how many weeks they can stay in the properties themselves and the amount they earn from the rental operation The standard package is the one recommended to families with school-aged children where four weeks of stay are available throughout the year making it a perfect destination for when the kids have holidays popular among those from northern countries who are looking to escape the cold which allows for stays up to five months during the lovely Algarve winters For those who aren’t seeking to spend their holidays at Vale da Lapa but still wish to invest into this well-established rental business the resort also offers an investor’s package which maximises an owner’s possible return “Our intention when preparing these options was to provide as much flexibility as possible to our future holiday home owners” “The only thing that isn’t offered is the possibility of someone buying and living in one of the 2-bedroom townhouses permanently and this decision was taken for a very simple reason: One of the greatest strengths of the resort is that the operation is thriving and in order to not dilute this we decided to keep the townhouses as holiday homes.” Townhouse owners earn a rental guarantee between 4.5 percent and 5.4 percent per year calculated on the purchase of the property all income and costs associated with the townhouses’ management will be amalgamated and the resulting profit will be shared among the owners This system ensures that everyone’s interests are aligned from the owners to the resort’s management allowing Vale da Lapa to continue to thrive Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client; “When most people are looking to buy a holiday home they’re buying based on assumptions of how rentals could develop in the future” “Whereas Vale da Lapa already boasts one of the strongest rental operations in the region you don’t need to hope that the rental operation is going to develop” and now it’s just about improving it even further.” The townhouses themselves are more than ample “it’s something rare to find in the Algarve these days because of how construction costs have risen” Your holiday at Vale da Lapa is sure to be one spent in comfort This feeling is bolstered by the resort’s many amenities praised for their organic landscaping composed of native water-resistant plants which are fed by the resort’s very own well I would recommend coming and visiting Vale da Lapa I would recommend the piri-piri chicken; that’s my favourite “If you’re looking for a holiday home or an investment in the tourism sector you would be buying into a resort which has already proven the test of time and is operating exceptionally under a great team” For more information on Vale da Lapa and their townhouses, please contact valedalapasales@gmail.com or visit https://valedalapasales.com/2bedroom/ A journalist that’s always eager to learn about new things adventure and writing about this diverse world of ours “Wisdom begins in wonder” - Socrates We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal Rio Las Vegas just opened a splendid new cocktail bar Inspired by the Lapa neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro the sizable space is a mix of tropical and luxury vibes with plenty of sofa and club chair seating for group conversation or bar-top stools for a chat with the bartenders is the exciting cocktail menu—a blend of familiar and unique cocktails that spotlight the many flavors of Brazil You’ll absolutely want to pay a visit to Lapa Lounge if you’re a fan of delicious served in a specialty tiki glass and made with Rémy Martin V.S.O.P cognac Next on the list is the hibiscus margarita a twist on the classic with Teremana blanco tequila hibiscus syrup and the grapefruit-lime citrus blend a rich and creamy blend of Casamigos blanco tequila The cocktail menu continues with a variety of other classics with a twist like the Smoky Penicillin The beautifully made menu holds a treasure of specialty cocktails so take time to explore; and don’t miss the craft beer and seltzers as well as wines and champagnes by the glass and bottle Rio Las Vegas. 702.777.7777. riolasvegas.com Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit The Red Rocker performs at Park MGM on May 7 ‘Las Vegas Magazine’ publisher Katie Dixon helps you plan the perfect week The May 4 party at Mandalay Bay will feature live bands 43,000+ global companies doing business in the region 102,000+ key contacts related to companies and projects news and interviews about your industry in English Sign In Subscribe Now Super Bowl fans can take in this year's game while supporting a worthy community cause on Feb Lacombe Athletic Park Association (L.A.P.A.) is hosting a Super Bowl party at Boston Pizza with doors opening at 3 p.m folks can enjoy an appy bar and a free beer courtesy of Blindman Brewery L.A.P.A. is the non-profit organization responsible for facility development as well as the ongoing operations of MEGlobal Athletic Park the theme for this year's party is 'Mardi Gras'. Other highlights include a 50/50 email lacombeathleticpark@gmail.com or head to www.lacombeathleticpark.ca. said support shown for past fundraisers has led to helping make the exceptional facilities what they are today "We now have a fantastic facility here which people in Lacombe use," she said. "A lot of teams come here so our teams don't always have to travel out." With the inclusion of an online auction at the party she noted if some folks don't want to attend the party - but still want to support the cause - they can conveniently do so Hayduk said funds raised will go to not only helping cover operations but towards further track development as well It's all part of the 'Track to Triumph' campaign "Join the Track to Triumph campaign and help build a facility that will inspire our community for years to come!" Monies raised at the party will also go to support other capital expenditures at the site "We would like to add to the park," Hayduk said hosted had a fundraising party for the Grey Cup, and in years past the organization hosted a gala event at this time of year as well "We have decided to do something a little more laid back." Other ways to support the work to the facility's track include through the Community Foundation of Central Alberta or about the Lacombe Athletic Park Association in general, check out www.lacombeathleticpark.ca Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines Download the Press Release (pdf - 228 KB) 2023 - TotalEnergies has approved the final investment decision of the Lapa South-West oil development located in the Santos Basin TotalEnergies operates the project with a 45% interest in partnership with Shell (30%) and Repsol Sinopec (25%) Lapa South-West will be developed through three wells connected to the existing Lapa FPSO located 12 km away and currently producing the North-East part of Lapa field since 2016 Lapa South-West will increase production from the Lapa field by 25,000 barrels of oil per day bringing the overall production to 60,000 barrels of oil per day This development represents an investment of approximately $1 billion “This latest development is an important milestone for TotalEnergies in Brazil that will increase its operated production in the pre-salt Santos Basin a key growth area for the Company" stated David Mendelson Americas at TotalEnergies Exploration & Production “With its efficient engineering approach and synergies with existing facilities this project illustrates TotalEnergies’ strategy of focusing on low cost *ANP 1st Cycle of the Permanent Production Sharing Auction TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people Lapa South West oil field is located in the Santos Basin and is anticipated to start production in 2025 The Lapa South West oil field is located in the Santos Basin approximately 300km off the coast of Sao Paulo It is being developed and operated by energy company TotalEnergies, which holds a 45% stake in the field. Energy and petrochemical company Shell holds a 30% interest in the field an oil and gas exploration and production company The final investment decision for the field development was announced by TotalEnergies in January 2023 which is scheduled to commence operations in 2025 With the commencement of production from Lapa South West the production from the Lapa field will grow by 25,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) increasing the total production to 60,000bopd The Lapa South West oil field is located in the south-west part of the Lapa (formerly Carioca) field the field is within the BM-S-9A concession The Lapa oil field was discovered in 2007 and started production in 2016 It is currently producing from the north-east part of the field The block BM-S-9A includes the Sapinhoa and Lapa fields. The block was under concession to Petrobras (45%) Shell came to own a stake in the block by acquiring BG Group in 2016 Petrobras transferred its 45% share in the block to TotalEnergies The Lapa South West oil field development will use the existing facilities and infrastructure of the Lapa oil field The plan for its development includes three wells that will be tied back to the Cidade de Caraguatatuba floating The subsea production system will include up to three subsea trees and control systems, tie-ins, subsea structures, subsea umbilicals and flowlines, along with associated equipment. The installation of subsea trees and umbilicals is expected to be completed between the first and fourth quarters of 2024 The Cidade de Caraguatatuba MV27 FPSO is owned and operated by MODEC. Installed in a water depth of 2,126m, the vessel was constructed by shipbuilding company Mitsui E&S Holdings (formerly Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding) It has a water injection capacity of 120,000 barrels a day (bpd) and storage capacity of 1.6 million barrels of crude oil The FPSO has an oil production capacity of 100,000bopd and gas production capacity of 177 million metric standard cubic feet per day (Mmscfd) It is equipped with SOFEC’s ABS-classed spread mooring system In January 2023, a contract for the supply of the subsea production system for the Lapa South West field was awarded to a consortium of Aker Solutions, a sustainable energy solutions provider based in Norway, and oilfield services company Saipem The scope of the contract includes providing engineering construction and installation (EPCI) services for subsea umbilicals The existing control system at the Lapa field will also be upgraded as part of the contract Saipem will use its Guarujá CTCO (Centro de Tecnologia e Construção Offshore) offshore construction and fabrication centre for logistic activities quad joint fabrications and other related manufacturing operations Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — An iconic destination at the Rio Hotel & Casino is getting a new look The casino has revealed renderings for the Lapa Lounge which is inspired by Rio de Janeiro's Lapa neighborhood "This lounge has greeted every guest that has entered the resort since the first day the Rio opened," said Trevor Scherrer "Although the lounge will have a new name and a striking new design the Lapa Lounge will continue to create even more memories with an even better experience for years to come." The new design features a ceiling adorned with golden-textured brass monkeys and jaguars circling a blown glass chandelier while the honey onyx bar top is surrounded by teak accents and chairs covered in animal-inspired patterns The updated lounge is scheduled to open in June Report a typo Our next dining destination is Lapa's Costa Rican Bistro in Bonita Springs While I’m a huge enthusiast of Latin food this is my first foray with Costa Rican food Things got off to an appetizing start with empanadas ($2.95 each) and patacones (aka tostones empanadas can be made of corn meal or flour is a Costa Rican condiment developed in 1920 by the Lizano company light brown sauce and it is uniquely delicious More: ‘Watts for Dinner’: Sushi Thai Too is too good to miss The tostones are four fried green plantain patties served with refried black beans which we spread on top – like jam on bread This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and salty My dining companion had the avocado salad ($10.95) while I had the shrimp and avocado salad ($14.95) His salad had a bit more avocado but mine had a ton of tasty These salads are incredible and large enough to be a meal all their own I had the restaurant’s namesake dish cheese and avocado (lifted straight from the menu: “We’re not EGG-sperts thus we ONLY offer scrambled eggs.”) The term lapa can mean anything from a structure to a fish The dish can feature poached or over easy eggs But also knowing how particular people are with their eggs I can understand the denotation in the menu Marco Island: ‘Watts for Dinner’: Margaritas’ serves up some new dishes tasty and hearty are all terms that come to mind The rice and bean mix featuring the Gallo beans is a unique spin (and a unique taste) for a dish I thought I’d had experienced many times before My partner in dine had the tostadas ($9.50) featuring crunchy corn tortillas topped with refried black beans Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro has great food and great service Whether a fan of Costa Rican food or new to it More: Hey Banner readers! Are you looking for a place to eat? This newspaper pays for all meals related to dining reviews Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time remembers growing up in La Perouse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in the 1980s bashed and pelted with rocks “like it was a sport” “The way people spoke to each other back then was atrocious Aunty Barb Simms and Russell Weston will represent the LaPa Legends when the float debuts in Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade.Credit: Janie Barrett a Yorta Yorta woman who lives in Chester Hill has revisited La Perouse to join LGBTQ community members and their allies who have links to the area’s Aboriginal population as they prepare to debut the LaPa Legends float in Saturday’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade “To come back and connect with everyone doing this float for the first time has been healing in a way Because I remember the homophobia from the ’80s I know how important it is for the young ones to see that it’s OK to be you,” Morgan said Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to crowd Oxford Street Flinders Street and Anzac Parade to watch more than 10,000 marchers and 180 floats move from Hyde Park to Moore Park The theme for the 47th annual parade is “free to be” Sydney Mardi Gras chief executive Gil Beckwith said it was a night to celebrate the “strength beauty and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ communities” She said the theme was a reminder of the importance of authenticity visibility and the ongoing journey towards equality there is still much more work to be done,” Beckwith said “The parade is both a celebration and a call to action particularly as we watch from afar the rapidly shifting political climate across the world and About 50 members of the LaPa Legends will be in the costumed convoy will be among those donning black-and-white angel wings covered in glitter black and yellow feathers to represent the Aboriginal flag Itty Bitty Titty Committee members Che Ritz Patricia Therese Benedict Thomas and Jane O’Keefe will be among 10,000 people marching on Saturday night.Credit: Kate Geraghty said the costumes were designed to represent the “strength of the gay and Koori communities” “You go through a lot of struggles being both.” to come out in the Aboriginal community is much more accepted,” he said “I’ve noticed the Indigenous people and the LGBTIQ community are very similar they’re fighting a lot of the same fights around equal rights It will be amazing to be a part of all this for La Perouse.” Brown is the Greens’ candidate for Kingsford Smith at this year’s federal election said the LaPa Legends’ debut appearance was “pretty deadly for the mob” who was raised on the La Perouse Aboriginal Reserve and Mission at Frenchmans Bay is among local elders who will join the float to signal their support “I think it’s about time this happened,” Simms said She recalls that the first two openly gay Aboriginal men who lived on the mission and reserve were “ridiculed and ostracised” in the 1960s Morgan said having elders march alongside the LGBTQ community sent a message “I didn’t come out as trans until my mid- to late-20s Simms said most members of the local Aboriginal population had family members and relatives who identified as part of the LGBTQ community and it was important to recognise their dual challenges I’m extremely proud to be with them and say you don’t have to hide behind the closet door any more and you can shout to the world: this is me Last year’s Mardi Gras was marred by grief and tensions between the LGBTQ community and NSW Police after a police officer was charged with murdering a gay Sydney couple days before the event NSW Police will march on Saturday after members of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras narrowly voted down a move in December to ban them from the parade Police on Friday said they had worked closely with festival organisers and the LGBTQ community to ensure a safe environment for revellers as they launched a high-visibility operation targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour that they said “undermines the celebratory spirit of the night” Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter remembers growing up in La Perouse in Sydney\\u2019s eastern suburbs in the 1980s bashed and pelted with rocks \\u201Clike it was a sport\\u201D \\u201CThe way people spoke to each other back then was atrocious There was a lot of homophobia here.\\u201D who have links to the area\\u2019s Aboriginal population as they prepare to debut the LaPa Legends float in Saturday\\u2019s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade \\u201CTo come back and connect with everyone doing this float for the first time has been healing in a way Because I remember the homophobia from the \\u201980s I know how important it is for the young ones to see that it\\u2019s OK to be you,\\u201D Morgan said The theme for the 47th annual parade is \\u201Cfree to be\\u201D Sydney Mardi Gras chief executive Gil Beckwith said it was a night to celebrate the \\u201Cstrength beauty and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ communities\\u201D \\u201CWhile we have made incredible strides there is still much more work to be done,\\u201D Beckwith said \\u201CThe parade is both a celebration and a call to action said the costumes were designed to represent the \\u201Cstrength of the gay and Koori communities\\u201D \\u201CYou go through a lot of struggles being both.\\u201D to come out in the Aboriginal community is much more accepted,\\u201D he said \\u201CI\\u2019ve noticed the Indigenous people and the LGBTIQ community are very similar they\\u2019re fighting a lot of the same fights around equal rights It will be amazing to be a part of all this for La Perouse.\\u201D Brown is the Greens\\u2019 candidate for Kingsford Smith at this year\\u2019s federal election said the LaPa Legends\\u2019 debut appearance was \\u201Cpretty deadly for the mob\\u201D \\u201CI think it\\u2019s about time this happened,\\u201D Simms said She recalls that the first two openly gay Aboriginal men who lived on the mission and reserve were \\u201Cridiculed and ostracised\\u201D in the 1960s There\\u2019s so much diversity out there.\\u201D \\u201CI didn\\u2019t come out as trans until my mid- to late-20s You think you\\u2019ll never fit in.\\u201D I\\u2019m extremely proud to be with them and say you don\\u2019t have to hide behind the closet door any more We\\u2019re standing tall as a people.\\u201D Last year\\u2019s Mardi Gras was between the LGBTQ community and NSW Police NSW Police will march on Saturday after members of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in December to as they launched a high-visibility operation targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour that they said \\u201Cundermines the celebratory spirit of the night\\u201D Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau is celebrating the upcoming Year of the Snake with a series of traditional events and special dining experiences with a Dragon and Lion Dance performance at 10:58 am Guests can enjoy a variety of festive meals across the hotel’s signature restaurants Kam Lai Heen Chinese Restaurant offers traditional Lunar New Year dishes including Poon Choi and Spring Festivity Dinner Menus Café Bela Vista will serve a seafood buffet while NAAM Thai Restaurant features lobster-inspired dishes Vasco – Bar and Lounge will serve artisanal cocktails infused with Chinese Yellow Wine The hotel also offers a selection of festive cakes and deluxe hampers for gifting the hotel provides elegant venues and customized menus perfect for celebrating togetherness during this auspicious season You must be logged in to post a comment In an effort to mitigate the impact of climate change said it has developed a Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA) to improve resilience for vulnerable communities at a one-day dialogue to co-create LAPA in Kaduna Adeyinka explained that Save the Slum Initiative under the coordination of YaddyTech Mscrissar Foundation with support from Nigeria Youth SDGs and the German Mission in Nigeria is engaging with community to dialogue on climate policy and action the aim of the dialogue forum is to share insights on community-driven adaptation measures needed to address vulnerabilities identified during earlier community dialogues He said the forum provided an inclusive platform for refining the first draft of LAPA while fostering collaboration on actionable climate adaptation strategies Adeyinka said priority actions were being identified based on urgency resource availability and impact potential as participants develope clear timeline for implementation and assigning leadership roles to specific stakeholders “Another critical component of the forum is the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said The executive director said stakeholders would outline strategies for sharing the final LAPA draft with communities “They also defined measurable indicators to track progress proposed actionable recommendations for various stakeholder groups “This inclusive process reflects the unique challenges and opportunities within Kaduna State making the plan more relevant and impactful for local communities stakeholders expressed their commitment to implementing community-driven solutions to mitigate climate risks and improve resilience,” Adeyinka noted He said the LAPA initiative had positioned Kaduna State as a leader in developing inclusive replicable frameworks for local climate action in Nigeria this dialogue forum marks a milestone in Kaduna’s journey toward sustainable development and climate resilience,” he assumed Participants at the event included representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) RIO DE JANEIRO – Petrobras has transferred its 10% interest in the Lapa field to TotalEnergies which also involved the assignment of the totality of the interest held by Petrobras Netherlands B.V concluded with the payment of $49.4 million to Petrobras This transaction represents another step in the strategic partnership between the two companies and is aligned with the portfolio optimization and capital allocation improvement strategy The Lapa field is in block BM-S-9A in the presalt Santos basin. Production began in December 2016 via the FPSO Cidade de Caraguatatuba operator TotalEnergies holds 45% interest in the Lapa field The other partners are Shell Brasil Petróleo (30%) and Repsol Sinopec Brasil (25%) Renaissance Hotels offers travelers a gateway to discover Porto like a local from the picturesque Lapa neighborhood the new hotel offers spontaneous explorers a sleek sophisticated urban hideaway moments away from the iconic Lapa Church and other city landmarks "Porto is an alluring destination with a thriving wine and culinary scene with history and culture around every corner – making for an exciting debut for Renaissance Hotels," said Jennifer Connell "Through the brand's signature theatrical design Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel will entice guests and locals alike with unexpected discoveries that surprise and delight." the hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline Drawing inspiration from this beloved city local architecture firm Visioarq Arquitectos and interior designers of Broadway Malyan were commissioned to create Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel as an 'Art House in The Park' Anchored by the brand's theatrical design concept the hotel is dressed harmoniously in pastel pinks and champagne golds with an unexpected touch of petrol blue which pays homage to the iconic Douro River running through Porto and Gaia The hotel's interiors feature vintage Portuguese tiles which have been used in local buildings and pavements for centuries Adorning the walls are original art pieces from Portuguese international artists including a tile mosaic installation by Pedrita Studio and a unique piece made of corrugated iron and neon lights by Berlin-based artist Clemens Behr The champagne color scheme extends to the hotel's 163 stylish guest rooms and suites which feature neutral furnishings in walnut wood chic design pieces as well as floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light to pour through the space All guest rooms feature modern 55″ LCD flat-screen TVs offer a spacious living area and private balcony where guests can unwind with stunning views looking out to the Atlantic Ocean The new hotel has one restaurant and two bars all of which showcase a gastronomic experience of Portuguese cuisine with a Mediterranean flair guests will enjoy all-day dining at a.typical Restaurant and Bar where the brand's signature Ritual with local flavors takes place to usher the transition of daytime to nightfall Four nights a week the bar will prepare a locally infused 'punch bowl' with gins from Porto the space transforms into an elevated venue where guests and locals alike can mix and mingle over cocktails and live music the Sky Bar on the fifth floor offers a serene setting for locally inspired cocktails alongside Portuguese-style light bites the hotel's top floor is also home to a 55-feet outdoor heated infinity pool and a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre with top-notch Technogym® equipment Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel has more than 5,850 square feet of flexible event space equipped with the latest technology including an advanced translator system accommodating events with multi-language speakers There are a total of six meeting rooms of which the largest can comfortably host close to 600 guests for conferences and corporate events helps guests discover the local culture and destination the hotel's neighboring Lapa Church is a must-visit as it stands today as a reference point of the city's religion and culture with a history of over 260 years guests can set off on the Liberal Porto route to immerse themselves in the city's history of The Siege of Porto in 1832 Guests looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood will be recommended to boutique cafes such as Café Guarany or Café Piolho; wineries like Gota a Gota Winery or Universo Carmim; antique shops like Porto de Magia and local favourites including multi-brand store The Feeting Room which are all in the Navigator's very own black book Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel will participate in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio of brands members enjoy a level of personalisation and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind To discover more, please visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/opobr-renaissance-porto-lapa-hotel As the United States completes its recognition of National Volunteer Month Marriott International today announced it has exceeded its volunteerism.. Travel Hotels and Resorts New Products & Services Do not sell or share my personal information: MD based real estate asset manager specializing in self-storage and multifamily development and senior real estate credit a New York-based firm focused on growth equity investments and real estate proudly announce the merger of their asset management businesses after a highly successful four-year joint venture This transformative merger creates a powerful growth catalyst in private middle markets combining the expertise and talents of two industry players The combined organization counts on a total of 29 professionals with diverse backgrounds in real estate This united talent pool fortifies the merged firm’s capabilities paving the way for rapid growth and handling increasingly complex deals with the majority of intrafirm integration completed over the last twelve months While PSG’s real estate and back-office operations will remain in Columbia Lapa’s growth equity activities and certain business functions will operate from our Manhattan the merged entity is optimally positioned to seize burgeoning pipeline opportunities as private markets offer a multitude of possibilities following recent market dynamics The merged firm will maintain two separate brands PSG for real estate and Lapa for growth equity preserving their well-established reputations in their respective areas “We are thrilled to announce the merger of PSG and Lapa’s asset management businesses which comes at a fortuitous time as deal-flow in our segments accelerates,” said Eugene Poverni “This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both firms bringing together PSG’s experience in over 200 successful real estate investments and Lapa’s consistent growth in the growth equity landscape we will solidify our position as a leading capital provider to middle markets.” The merger will yield enhanced operational efficiencies and elevate the investment experience for all stakeholders “While the investment landscape offers numerous solutions in large asset classes and listed markets we believe our edge lies in sourcing and executing private transactions where we have a say in pricing Our mature real estate platform serves as a blueprint as we selectively acquire stakes in exciting companies adding value during their critical last stage of growth.” stakeholders of both PSG and Lapa can expect uninterrupted service The merged firm will communicate directly with all parties ensuring a seamless continuation of their investment strategies and addressing any inquiries or concerns Poverni Sheikh Group is a leading real estate asset management firm specializing in self-storage and multifamily development and senior real estate credit Providing $2m-$20m financing to borrowers nationwide and completing over 200 transactions on its balance sheet since 2012 totaling more than $700 million in investments PSG comprises a team of 25 experienced business and accounting professionals committed to delivering exceptional results and generating long-term value for its investors and stakeholders Lapa Capital Partners is a boutique asset management firm focused on providing innovative investment strategies and personalized solutions in the growth and private equity business Lapa has built a strong reputation for its investor-centric approach and commitment to excellence © Copyright 2012 - 2023 | citybiz | All Rights Reserved was recently named a fellow by the Program in Law and Public Affairs (LAPA) at Princeton University for the 2019-2020 academic year Chanenson was selected from a competitive interdisciplinary and international applicant for pool for the prestigious fellowship one of the nation’s foremost experts on criminal sentencing will spend the academic year in residence at Princeton examining comparative penal practices between Norway and the United States He will also participate in law-related programs and engage with faculty and students “Steve is an outstanding member of the Villanova Law faculty and is so deserving of this honor,” said Mark C I know firsthand the incredible experience Steve will have during his fellowship He is a dedicated scholar and leader in the area of prison reform and criminal justice are fortunate to have him as a teacher and mentor.” criminal law and criminal procedure at Villanova Law He also serves as the Director of the Villanova Sentencing Workshop and as the Faculty Director of the David F Chanenson writes primarily in the areas of sentencing and criminal procedure with his works having been published in such journals as the Stanford Law Review Waseda Proceedings of Comparative Law and Yale Law Journal Pocket Part Chanenson was a member of the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing for nearly 14 years having been appointed by three successive Governors of Pennsylvania at the appointment of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania also served on a committee that advised the Supreme Court on criminal justice reforms for the First Judicial District (Philadelphia) criminal courts The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania also appointed him as the Chair of the Pennsylvania Suggested Standard Criminal Jury Instruction Committee which produces jury instructions published by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute Chanenson was awarded the Villanova Law Student Bar Association’s Faculty Award for the 2017-2018 academic year Kern Memorial Award by the National Association of Sentencing Commissions (NASC) in 2016 he received the Judge Joseph Stevens Award for Outstanding Public Service in the Field of Law on behalf of the Harry S He was named a Truman Scholar in 1986 and has been an active member in the Truman Scholar selection process Chanenson also served as a Fulbright Distinguished Lecturer in Law from 2008-09 at Xiamen University School of Law in Xiamen Chanenson has served as a reporter for the Criminal Records Accuracy committee for the Uniform Law Commission An elected member of the American Law Institute he was the Liaison from the National Association of Sentencing Commissions to the American Law Institute regarding efforts to revise the sentencing portions of the Model Penal Code he is a Managing Editor of and frequent contributor to the Federal Sentencing Reporter (University of California Press/Vera Institute of Justice) the leading professional journal of brief commentary on sentencing law Professor Chanenson received a BA in economics and a MS in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from the University of Chicago Law School. He clerked for Judge Phyllis A Kravitch of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and Supreme Court Associate Justice William J He also served in the Chambers of the Honorable David H practiced at a major commercial law firm and served as an Assistant U.S Attorney in the Criminal Division in Chicago. Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association: Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau invites the public to immerse themselves in the enchantment of the “Joy of Wonder” at the property The resort has announced a lineup of celebrations featuring a series of dining experiences and activities A particular highlight is Café Bela Vista’s “Christmas Doce Afternoon Tea Set,” running from December 1 to December 26 the restaurant celebrates Portuguese culture through its afternoon tea experience blending traditional sweet and savory treats with a contemporary twist Guests can customize their selections from the tea trolley featuring items marinated and prepared for months to enhance their flavors and muffins—all made in-house with natural ingredients Highlights include the signature Portuguese pudding and freshly baked scones ensuring a homely touch to the guests’ dining experience guests can enjoy a Christmas Weekday Festive Dinner Buffet featuring classics like Roasted Turkey and Traditional Yule Log Cake guests can indulge in Merry & Delicious Seafood Lunch and European Dinner Buffets with complimentary sparkling wine for lunch and free-flow beverages for dinner Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau will host a New Year countdown with a lavish dinner buffet area vice president for Macau and Hengqin Operations at Artyzen Hospitality Group and general manager of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau remarked: “For us at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau Christmas signifies a time of warmth and joy allowing us to engage with our community and spread happiness festivities kicked off with its chocolate Christmas tree a “masterpiece crafted with culinary artistry You must be logged in to post a comment The album sees the longtime collaborative duo concocting new sonic flavors Out now via Emancipator’s own Loci Records 11th Orbit spans 10 potent dancefloor heaters with exotic and worldly composition The record sees the longtime collaborative duo concocting new sonic flavors to their own respective discographies with Lapa laying down the groundwork for more melodic house while Emancipator drives the foundation of downtempo rhythms and instrumental electronica From the dripping synths of “Vortex Cortex” to the unexpected disco breakdown of “Souldia,” 11th Orbit explores a cheeky arrangement of sounds and welcomes a fresh outlook for the duo’s creative partnership The only other collaborator on the album is showcased on “Mamba,” as fellow Loci producer Marley Carroll peppers in cunning percussion and sonic textures for added depth “It was inspiring to explore new instruments, effects, and timbral combinations as we stacked, blended and sifted layers of cosmic analog synthesizers melodious tones, and acoustic instruments into these worlds of sound,” Emancipator said “The process of writing this album was different from previous projects of ours in that it is a from-the-ground-up fusion of our songwriting and productions styles.” May 2, 2025Listen to 11th Orbit below and stream the album here Since his last full-length record Mountain of Memory in 2020 Emancipator has had quite the taste for collaboration having released four long-form collaborative projects These include A Thousand Clouds EP (with 9 Theory) and Citrus Fever Dream (with Cloudchord) The Portland-based producer is now looking to finish the year strong with performances at Wakaan Music Festival, Submersion Festival and Haunted Forest. For a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit his website "Traumazine," which features production from Whethan and Dwilly focusing on the producer’s authenticity and storytelling 2023Aker Solutions has been awarded with a sizeable[1] contract by TotalEnergies to provide the subsea production system tools and all related EPCI interfaces for the Lapa South West field Construction in the pre-salt Santos Basin offshore Brazil The development concept is a subsea tie-back to the Cidade de Caraguatatuba FPSO using existing facilities and infrastructure.Aker Solutions will deliver a subsea production system including up to three subsea trees and control systems as well as associated equipment and installation work The scope also covers EPCI interface management and Control System upgrade of the existing Lapa South West subsea trees Work starts immediately with deliveries scheduled from the first quarter of 2024 until the fourth quarter of 2024. “We are pleased to be selected to execute the Lapa South West subsea project The Brazilian offshore market is becoming increasingly diverse with regard to work scope and customer opportunity We look forward to extending our long-standing relationship with TotalEnergies to the Brazilian market and to further enhance the hydrocarbon potential of Brazil,” said Maria Peralta Executive Vice President and head of Aker Solutions' Subsea business. About the fieldThe Lapa field is located in the pre-salt Santos Basin at 2,150 meters of water depth offshore Brazil The Lapa Field Consortium is comprised of TotalEnergies (45%) Shell (30%) and Repsol Sinopec Brasil (25%). The contract will be booked as order intake in the first quarter of 2023 in the Subsea segment. 1Aker Solutions defines a sizeable contract as being between NOK 0.5 billion and NOK 1.5 billion Aker Solutions delivers integrated solutions products and services to the global energy industry We enable low-carbon oil and gas production and develop renewable solutions to meet future energy needs By combining innovative digital solutions and predictable project execution we accelerate the transition to sustainable energy production Aker Solutions employs approximately 15,000 people in more than 20 countries Visit akersolutions.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see https://akersolutions.com Aker Solutions will deliver a subsea production system including up to three subsea trees and control systems Visit akersolutions.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see https://akersolutions.com ShareSaveCommentLifestyle TravelYour New Mountain Getaway In Portugal: Casas Da LapaByAnn Abel Ann Abel is a Lisbon-based writer covering luxury travel with a soulFollow AuthorJun 21 03:45am EDTShareSaveCommentThis article is more than 3 years old.One of the two outdoor pools at Casas da Lapa Who needs a beach when you have two pools and a waterfall That’s the thought that crossed my mind as I was lounging in the shade beside one of those pools, at the recently redone Casas da Lapa hotel It’s hugging the hillside at the edge of the village of Lapa dos Dinheiros in Portugal’s Serra da Estrela which gorgeous views over the surrounding valleys It’s an area full of striking glacial valleys went to Italy for a PhD program and discovered that country’s agriturismi (rural accommodations) that they got the final push to make it happen They bought a house in 2005 and opened it as a fairly rustic guest house with six rooms they got serious about upgrading it to a full-service This was a five-year project because of what Bravo describes as “architecture that looks simple but is not simple.” The hotel reopened one year ago with 15 understated rooms stone walls and quietly luxurious fabrics made from the wool of the sheep in the surrounding mountains They have bathtubs placed in front of their windows and the best of them have large terraces for watching the sunset The hotel also added a cozy library with a reading nook a big lounge and a handsome restaurant that turns out elevated takes on traditional mountain food (that’s typically heavy on the meat and game vegans and anyone in between with five-course menus that change nightly) you can spot villagers walking home from their gardens or farms which can be custom-blended for each client if your idea of aromatherapy is breathing fresh mountain air The outdoor pools are chlorine-free (purified with ozone) This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Italy — Saipem has won two pipelay/subsea construction contracts with a combined value of about $900 million For Equinor, the company will install the 80-km, swagged pipe-in-pipe pipeline connecting the subsea production template at the Irpa gas-condensate field in the Norwegian Sea to the Aasta Hansteen spar platform Saipem’s Castorone vessel will perform the offshore operations in 2025 Earlier this week, Aker Solutions landed an engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contract from TotalEnergies for the Lapa South-West development in the Santos Basin The work scope covers EPCI of the SURF and the subsea production system which is the first integrated SURF and SPS project TotalEnergies has ever awarded It will use its Guarujá CTCO yard (Centro de Tecnologia e Construção Offshore) for logistics quad joints fabrication and other manufacturing activities