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Using widespread publicity, and by providing extensive logistics to transport the population from various cities across the country by free subway and buses to watch, Khamenei delivered a speech on Friday, January 17, 2020, in Tehran. Khamenei’s purpose in this speech was to divert the consequences of the two-month-long protests and use events to boost the morale of the regime’s repressive forces. It also demonstrates his concerns about the downfall and collapse of the regime’s shock troops. It was the first time in 8 years that Khamenei had performed Friday prayers. He appeared on the scene at a very critical time for the regime. In his remarks, Khamenei emphasized that he had passed the “adventurous and extraordinary 2 weeks”. While trying to portray all the fatal blows of this adventurous 2 weeks as victory and the effects of God’s power, he shied away from responding to the destruction of a Ukrainian passenger plane by the Revolutionary Guards. Khamenei did not even apologize to the mourning families of the innocent victims of the downed passenger plane, without mentioning the responsibility and role of the Revolutionary Guards in the tragedy, even thanking them. And of course, Khamenei condemned the protesters of the regime’s criminal activity in this painful incident. Khamenei sought to minimize the destruction of the plane, adding that “they tried to make it a matter of course” to “forget” the burial ceremony of Qasem Soleimani and firing missiles at the US bases. In Khamenei’s view, the lives of 176 human beings are not important. Khamenei did not even regret the death of at least 78 people in Kerman during Soleimani’s funeral. The uprising of Iranian students and people was the most important fact that Khamenei tried not to mention. The uprising whose main slogan is ‘Down with Khamenei’ and ‘Down with the dictator’ and so on. Khamenei described the millions of Iranians who chanted “neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for the sake of Iran” as being deceived. He pointed to the tearing up of Qasem Soleimani’s picture and described the uprising as “The few hundred who insult Soleimani’s photo” and said, “The few hundred who insult Soleimani’s photo were not Iranian people” and called them “enemy’s agents”. Khamenei reiterated his grief over the death of Qasem Soleimani as the regime’s number two and the Revolutionary Guards’ irreplaceable backbone, saying, “Soleimani was literally the most powerful commander fighting terrorists in the region!” Khamenei also said the recent move by European countries to refer to the regime’s nuclear case to the Security Council and to use trigger mechanisms to impose international sanctions were to overshadow the funeral of Qasem Soleimani. By attacking these three European countries and calling them enemies, he pushed Europe further towards the international community’s consensus against the regime, and he sent out the message of no hope to governments that may still have hope of “behavior change”. Khamenei praised the terrorist Quds Force, headed by Qasem Soleimani that created the blood bath and suppressed Iranian cities and countries in the region, calling them “warriors without borders”. Interestingly, Khamenei once again emphasized the regime’s purpose and strategy that the crimes of the Quds Force in the countries of the Middle East aim to secure the regime inside Iran against the uprising of the people. Khamenei’s stance was not unexpected, but even the most optimistic person can no longer hope to find some sort of solution within the existing framework to respond to the mass demands of the Iranian people and uprisings. The automatic consequence of this situation is intensifying the conditions in Iran’s explosive society and the continuance of maximum pressure in the international arena. The European Union also came to realize that it was ultimately the only option to stand with the united states to confront the nuclear, missile and regional policies of the Iranian regime. The fact is that Khamenei, in his January 17 speech, following the bloody protests this November, which is the bloodiest suppression of popular protests in the country’s contemporary history, once again chose repression and called for both crackdowns on domestic and confrontation on international fronts. Of course, Khamenei’s stance, and his emphasis on his previous positions will not have an impact on the regime’s irreversible path. Khamenei’s January 17 speech only proved that the regime is in a bind and that its leader had no power or will to take the initiative and exit the deadlock. - The Hi-Tech Traditionalist: A Man Who Is Not Armed Is Disarmed. A Man Who Is Disarmed Is A Slave. - The Left Supporting Iran Also Supports Tehran’s Ally Moscow, And Is Evidence Of Russia Hoax

An award-winning wine is taking centre stage at this year’s Birmingham Wine Weekend, with the launch of a golden ticket opportunity that will give wristband wearers the chance to sample one of Italy’s finest. The first 100/100 point wine since 1985, Sassicaia 2016 is a much-loved vintage and a limited amount of samples will be served up at the city centre festival, which is taking place from 24-26 April 2020. Recognised as Italy’s most famous wine, Sassicaia 2016 is one of the original ‘Super Tuscans’ and retails for a whopping £350+ per bottle online. Birmingham Wine Weekend has partnered with award-winning Loki Wine to serve up a limited number of glasses during the festival, and every wristband buyer will be entered into the draw to win. “We wanted to do something exciting to mark Birmingham Wine Weekend’s return to the city for the third year running so we’ve partnered Loki Wine to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Sassicaia 2016 is thought of as one of the best Italian wines ever produced, which is demonstrated in its rare 100/100 point rating alone! “Birmingham Wine Weekend is all about discovery; whether you’re new to wine or consider yourself an expert, and that’s why we’ve launched this tasting opportunity as a prize draw that gives everyone an equal chance of winning a golden ticket!” Chosen at random, the lucky winners will be able to trade in their golden tickets during the festival weekend and receive a glass of Sassicaia 2016 at Loki Wine in Great Western Arcade. Owner, Phil Innes, adds: “We’re truly excited to be a part of Birmingham Wine Weekend for the third year running; not only is it a time where we can meet a variety of wine lovers but, this year, we’re able to bring something unique to the city and provide attendees with the chance of trying a one of a kind, notorious wine. “The Sassicaia 2016 has unrivalled consistency of both style and quality, with impressively restrained alcohol levels across vintages. However, it’s tremendously elegant on the palate too, but with latent power – building in the mouth, with layers of rich, dark fruit. It’s a real iron fist in a velvet glove… one to remember!” Birmingham Wine Weekend takes place 24-26 April 2020, with venues across the city taking part in the three-day event. The festival hub returns to Hotel du Vin, along with participating venues including Arch 13, Gaucho, Harvey Nichols, Malmaison, and Opus. During the festival, wristband wearers can try premium glasses of wine for just £4, as well as £4 wine cocktails, and £6 wine and food pairing options; all hand-selected by each venue. In addition to a series of exclusive events. Wristbands are on sale now, priced at just £10 (plus booking fee), and can be purchased online: www.birminghamwineweekend.co.uk.

Environmental services (ES) professionals play a critical and unique role in maintaining a clean, safe and sanitary environment of care. The environment has been recognized as a contributor to the transmission of health care-associated infections (HAIs). Given this scientific revelation, the role of the ES professional and technician in protecting the patient and health care team has never been more important. The overall health care delivery system continues to evolve and change in this era of accountable care and transparency. However, the environment of care remains a risk for both the patient and health care workers throughout the entire delivery system. The ES technician is an integral part of the patient care team and works collaboratively with other members to ensure that a safe and sanitary environment is maintained for the patient. This collaborative effort assists the health care facility in ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements and also evidence-based clinical guidelines. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has created the Triple Aim, which is the cornerstone for health care reform and quality improvement. This initiative seeks to improve the health of a defined population, improve the experience of care for the patient, and also to reduce the per capita cost for health care delivery. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has utilized this concept as the basis for health care payment reform. ES professionals have daily interactions with patients and visitors in all types of health care and can have a direct impact on patient satisfaction scores and quality indicators. This unique interaction empowers the team to have a positive impact on the patient’s experience and reduce the cost of care delivery by mitigating risk from HAIs and other dangerous pathogens. Because ES owns the responsibility for the health care environment, the front-line technician can serve as both a patient advocate and agent of safety culture. During their daily responsibilities, these professionals are afforded the opportunity to interact with patients and their families and educate them about the many preventive steps being taken to mitigate risk. ES leadership must work cross-functionally across the entire health care delivery system. It also is critical to maintain active involvement in professional associations such as AHE. Maintaining industry knowledge about evidence-based practices and emergent issues is an invaluable component of ongoing professional development and continuing education. J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D, CHESP, is vice president of clinical affairs for PDI Inc., Orangeburg, N.Y. He serves as industry liaison for the AHE board of directors and is a regular speaker at the AHE Exchange annual conference. Valuable resources available AHE represents, defines and advances the professionals responsible for care of the health care environment to ensure high-quality outcomes and healthy communities. Following are a few of the resources that AHE offers. • Recommended Practice Series: Environmental Services Equipment and Supplies. The equipment and supplies covered in this booklet are essential, discrete components of safe, efficient and productive environmental services (ES) operations. For more information, go to www.ahe.org/ahe/learn/tools_and_resources/publications.shtml. • Practice Guidance for Healthcare Environmental Cleaning, second edition. This manual provides evidence-based research, guidance and recommended practices that should be considered for inclusion in health care ES departments. Because each health care facility has its own needs, this resource has been designed to enhance an existing program. To access it, log on to www.ahe.org/ahe/learn/tools_and_resources/publications.shtml. • AHE Environmental Sustainability Certificate Program. AHE has launched a new certificate program to acknowledge the ongoing and outstanding environmental and ecological sustainability efforts of ES departments. For more program information, go to www.ahe.org/ahe/lead/environmental_sustainability_certificate_program.shtml.

A gene encoding the ribosomal protein rpsL was used as a reference gene for normalizing the transcriptional levels of target genes. Transcription data were analyzed with the Q-Gene software . According to previous studies the efflux systems MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, MexEF-OprN, and MexXY were considered overexpressed when the transcriptional levels of mexB, mexC, LY2874455 mexE, and mexY were at least 2, 100, 100, and 4 fold higher than those of the wild-type reference strain PAO1, respectively. Reduced oprD expression and overexpression of ampC were considered relevant when their transcriptional levels were ≤70% and ≥10-fold, respectively, compared to that of the PAO1 reference strain [10, 32]. Table 3 Primers used in this study for access the relative gene expression by RT-qPCR Genes Primers Sequences (5′-3′) Amplicon size (bp) References mexB mexB-F selleck inhibitor GTGTTCGGCTCGCAGTACTC 244 mexB-R AACCGTCGGGATTGACCTTG mexD mexD-F CGAGCGCTATTCGCTGC 165 This study mexD-R GGCAGTTGCACGTCGA mexF mexF-F CGCCTGGTCACCGAGGAAGAGT 255 mexF-R TAGTCCATGGCTTGCGGGAAGC mexY mexY-F CCGCTACAACGGCTATCCCT 250 mexY-R AGCGGGATCGACCAGCTTTC oprD oprD-F TCCGCAGGTAGCACTCAGTTC 191 oprD-R AAGCCGGATTCATAGGTGGTG ampC ampC-F CTGTTCGAGATCGGCTC 166 This study ampC-R CGGTATAGGTCGCGAG rpsL selleck chemicals rpsL-F GCAAGCGCATGGTCGACAAGA 201 rpsL-R CGCTGTGCTCTTGCAGGTTGTGA Funding This work was financially supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP – 2006/01716-8), by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Bay 11-7085 Superior (CAPES) that conceded a grant to DEX and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) that provides a researcher grant to ACG. (307714/2006-3). Acknowledgements We would like to thank Soraya S. Andrade for the critical reading of this manuscript. References 1. Stover CK, Pham XQ, Erwin AL, Mizoguchi SD, Warrener P, Hickey MJ, Brinkman FS, Hufnagle WO, Kowalik DJ, Lagrou M, et al.: Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, an opportunistic pathogen. Nature 2000, 406:959–964.PubMedCrossRef 2. Engel J, Balachandran P: Role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III effectors in disease. Curr Opin Microbiol 2009, 12:61–66.PubMedCrossRef 3. Dotsch A, Becker T, Pommerenke C, Magnowska Z, Jansch L, Haussler S: Genomewide identification of genetic determinants of antimicrobial drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009, 53:2522–2531.PubMedCrossRef 4. Poole K: Efflux pumps as antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Ann Med 2007, 39:162–176.PubMedCrossRef 5. Poole K, Srikumar R: Multidrug efflux in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: components, mechanisms and clinical significance. Curr Top Med Chem 2001, 1:59–71.PubMedCrossRef 6. Poole K: Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. Cell Mol Life Sci 2004, 61:2200–2223.PubMedCrossRef 7.

Smart Homes Automation Today, we are increasingly talking about creating ‘Smart Homes’. Smart homes can mean different things to different people. A builder might say that he is offering a ‘Smart Home’ to a prospective buyer if the IP video door phone that he is installing can also be viewed over a smart phone. For an architect, a ‘Smart Home’ could be one, where lighting controls that can be activated manually, on a time clock, remotely or from a house- for one room or for the entire house. A system integrator, selling AV systems could say that he has designed a smart home, where the home owner can view any media content stored in the cloud or locally in the home from anywhere in the home. So who is right? Or rather, what is the correct meaning of a smart home? For me, there is no right or wrong. A Smart home can be one or all of these things. All of the above could comprise what we call Smart Home technology. One thing however should be common. Whatever technology is used to make a smart home should enhance the user and the home owner experience, making life more convenient and enjoyable! A smart Home could have one or all of the following: Lighting control systems: Imagine the effect of pressing a button and dramatically changing the lighting ambience and the visual environment in a living space! An easy to use system, a reliable technology and setting the right presets could benefit the end-user. Motorized shading systems: Increasingly, the idea of manually moving huge curtains and blinds is giving way to the convenience of using a simple press of a button to change the natural light coming into the house, by using motorized shades. Automation of A/V devices: The ability to control all AV devices from a single touch panel, User-friendly macros, where in a sequence of operations happens every time a button in enabled, assists the user. For e.g. pressing the movie “scene” in a living room could dim lights, turn on the TV, turn on the Amplifier, turn on the Blue Ray player and also draw the curtains etc. all with just one press of the movie button, on your smart phone. Media distribution, storage and display: With the ever-increasing demands on resolution (4k TV, 8k TV etc.), it is important that we lay the wiring/hardware capable of transmitting the highest resolution in picture and audio possible, at least as of today. Media could be and should be available to be played anywhere in the house, from the cloud or from a local Media server. HVAC controls: Smart home owners today have the ability to control and monitor the HVAC system in the house. Not only is control possible, monitoring with two-way feedback allows energy saving when certain areas do not need conditioning. Security Systems: While security systems have existed for a long long time, the smart home has a security system that is integrated with the rest of the house controls. For e.g when the security system detects an intrusion, it starts flashing the lighting in the entire house on/off. It sends a notification to the home owner phone and scares away a potential intruder. All of the above systems should be seamlessly available on customer touchpanel/smart home through a customized user interface that is easy to understand and to use. Every electronic device that has a remote is virtually available to the home owner from with in or from outside the house. IOT or Internet of things is a term used to suggest connectivity of all such devices via the internet. Today voice recognition and voice commands are being offered to clients as part of the home automation technology. The key however for any home owner would be – Ease of use, and reliability. Remember -The Smart Home should NOT require a home owner to be technologically smart! Director of Anusha Technovision

For those who need a reminder about why it’s a bad idea to smoke, here a few statistics to consider: –One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will happen in middle age. –Tobacco smoke is known to cause a number of cancers. –The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heart rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels. Smoking causes around one in five deaths from heart disease. –Tar coats your lungs like soot in a chimney. Lung cancer from smoking is caused by the tar in tobacco smoke. Men who smoke are 10 times more likely to die from lung cancer than non-smokers. –Carbon monoxide robs your muscles, brain and body tissue of oxygen, making your whole body and especially your heart work harder. –Smoking often leads to years of suffering and a slow death. It would seem that the negative press for smoking could not possibly get any worse. However, researchers in Oakland, California have now linked smoking with yet another serious health problem: Alzheimer’s. It seems that heavy smoking in middle age seems to increase the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. For the study, a research team collected data on 21,123 people in the Californian healthcare system who were surveyed between 1978 and 1985, when they were 50 to 60 years old. During an average follow-up period of 23 years, the researchers found that 25.4% were diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer’s (1,136 people) and vascular dementia (416 people). Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and is caused by damage to the arteries in the brain. Compared with non-smokers, those who smoked more than two packs of cigarettes a day in midlife had a 157% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (!) and a 17% increased risk of developing vascular dementia, the research team found. The researchers noted that former smokers and people who smoked less than half a pack a day did not appear to be at increased risk of Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia. Scientists have been searching for clues about the causes of Alzheimer’s for much of the past decade. In particular, much investigation has gone into possible environmental factors, but until this study, only head injury could be clinically-proven to increase the likely-hood of getting Alzheimer’s. The good news in all of this? Unlike head injury, a tobacco-smoking link to Alzheimer’s is especially important to be aware of because it’s a risk that can be modified and eliminated. There are many, many resources available to help those who want to quit smoking.

Welcome to the new Steel City Blitz Steelers Training Camp Tidbits presented by Taps N’At! This is a brand new feature this year and every single day from now until the end of Camp you’ll see tidbits right here. Our goal is simple; provide you with everything we are seeing, hearing and learning from St. Vincent College in Latrobe. If you’re going…. Steelers Practice for Saturday 8/11: 255pm Eastern Latrobe Weather for Saturday 8/11: Scattered T-Storms High of 78 Latest on the injury front… All eyes will be on the fields of St. Vincent College scanning for a certain number 84. Mike Tomlin told us last week that Antonio Brown would return to practice following the Eagles’ game. We are all very much anticipating his arrival. Damoun Patterson, who had an excellent game Thursday night, left in the fourth quarter with what was thought to be a non-serious injury. B.J. Finney also departed the game on Thursday as well but should be fine. What should you be looking for today? Don’t be shocked if you see and hear a lot more about tackling today. While I think overall it was better, it was not where it needs to be. Morgan Burnett, Jon Bostic and Artie Burns for example all missed tackles and they were far from alone… Keep a very close eye on the inside linebacking positions. While it doesn’t mean a ton as to who is running with the first team and who isn’t, it’s still worth watching after a very sub-par performance Thursday night… Same could be said for the wideouts. At some point, Patterson has to get a shot at running with the ones. Really good show last night breaking things down from the win over the Eagles… Check out the Steel City Blitz Steelers Podcast presented by 26shirts.com/Pittsburgh. After today, there are just three more open practices for fans to attend in Latrobe. If you were planning to go you’re running out of time! Make sure you stop into our terrific sponsor Taps N’At! They are just a few minutes from Camp and have good food, cold beer and a great atmosphere!

"Reflections On a Year in Customer Service" "What's APR???" they would say to me, their voices dripping with fear and frustration and anger. "Why do I owe $6,000 when I only borrowed $500???" That was RISE, a company that offers short-term loans with interest rates through the roof. Up to 298%. And yes, you are reading that correctly. There, I offered education and respect and understanding to those who called me, freaking out. I couldn't offer them lower interest rates. I couldn't believe the high ones are lega but it turns out they are in fact legal. "Moral" is an entirely different story. I did try to get out of that gig and get into a better sales job within the matrix of sales campaigns available, but we had an odd cast of characters leading the charge. The Supervisor who had a substance abuse problem and an anger problem. The 21-year-old Supervisor - need I say more? - who followed the lead of the Supervisor with the substance abuse problem. The Scapegoat Supervisor who the drinking Supervisor hated for no particular reason. The Head of the Department who smiled well, made beautiful promises, and was preternaturally resistant to fulfilling them. Stories within stories within stories unfolded in that crazy department, and anyone who actually did make it out of there (they for some reason hated letting anyone go to another campaign, especially if it bettered the lot of the employee) was seen as a heroine. It's actually the people on the phone that make this kind of job fascinating. I met Johnny on the phone one day. Johnny lived and worked in L.A. in its heyday, and he had stories to tell about seeing Liz Taylor across the street and being absolutely dumbstruck by her remarkable, purple-eyed beauty. He was a Casting Director back in the day, so you can imagine how ardently I wanted to keep him on the phone all day long. Okay, so that was December of 2017, not 2018, but I love that guy, so I just had to mention him. In this last year, I have talked politics with someone who was like-minded and who brought the topic up (my Supervisor was not in the room at the time, or I'd never have gotten away with that one), and just a couple of days ago I listened to an unprovoked harangue about "those damn Democrats, I'm so angry! We need to build a wall!" I have calmed people and I've been amused by people. I've talked a couple into looking at Cincinnati as their next place to move. I've learned a lot about Sales, and I've taught myself a lot about how to use those learnings with integrity. I've had my heart break for people with really challenging situations, and I've thickened my skin towards, and worked to deepen my compassion for, those people who are trying to run a game on me. Sometimes the compassion part is only for me and not for the both of us, and I think that's just fine. Compassion Starts At Home, right? Yes indeed. Young women with voices of uncertainty call me; this is one of those moments for them in which they have to have some authority - Mom told them to call - and their voices reveal the struggle to meet the challenge of answering a question of decision while they still feel like little girls waiting for direction from the adults. Men with equally uncomfortable voices call me - men I imagine are from the backwoods, men with compellingly and deeply Southern accents and a cadence of moment-by-slow-moment, which I yearn to possess - who express an uncertainty with the navigation of this shiny online store world, and who understand a far more grounded world than the one we offer them. Their energy reflects a demand for respect, and their voices reflect an expectation of shame. Women buying for boyfriends. Men buying for wives. Mothers buying for sons and daughters. There's a lot of money flying about through these airwaves. Physically immobilized women in their 80's for whom I waive the shipping. Badass sharp-as-a-fucking-tack women in their 80's who know what's up! Dumbass men who hear my voice and offer me their phone numbers, their emails. "Contact me," they urge. "I'm not kidding. I'd love to get to know you more!" (More?) Two friends in an office in New Jersey who spend time shopping with me because they're bored with their work in this last, slow week of the year. A Sergeant shopping for a ring for his beloved. An 80-year-old woman (we get a lot of calls from 80-year-old women) crying because she has to return a gift that her daughter - in her illness - cannot use. A man in his 60's whose wife has just died, leaving rings she never managed to wear. It's a never-ending line of people with stories. And it's a challenge. Some days I meet it with glee. Some days I simply meet it with coffee. Some days I come home defeated, wondering what happened to my life that I have "ended up" in Customer Service. Other days I come home exhausted but happy that my abilities have been noted, and that I've helped someone, or that someone has made me laugh. A lot. I have worked with remarkable and fascinating people. You would be so surprised to know who goes into Customer Service, even for a short time in their lives, and who bring so much to the job. An 80-something retired nurse and her 50-something son. A professional artist. A sustainability expert. Students. Teachers. Trainers. Actors. People of age, because no one cares what you look like on the phone. People who need to rebuild; people like me. A year ago I was just a couple of weeks out of homelessness - a place I never expected to "end up". Clearly, "ending up" is in never-ending flux, giving the lie to the words. I want so much out of my life. I always have. I still yearn to be a successful working actress. I yearn to receive the financial compensation that matches my worth, and I yearn to be respected and appreciated - I think the two go together in my mind. How American of me. I yearn to bring all of me to all of my life. I yearn to be of visible service, not just vocal. I dream of pinnacle moments that last for the rest of my life. A year ago I was working at RISE, conflicted about the work itself, but not conflicted at all about what I was willing to do to keep my new apartment. A year ago, I was starting to realize that there was a place in the work world that I could use my abilities - a place I'd never considered because it seemed like the ass-end of the work world: Customer Service. A year later I have grown. I know what it takes to serve multiple types of people. I know what it takes to be a good Customer Service agent and a bad one. I know that there is no Sales training in Customer Service - which is complete and utter lunacy. I am grateful for the Sales training I got from my Los Angeles-bred boss at Playhouse In the Park's Subscription Office. I know that I still believe this job should come with hazard pay because it is taxing and emotionally challenging and you have to make a choice, daily, whether to check out, or engage, and how much. Whether to give your all, or keep 50% at least for yourself. Whether to define yourself by your work, and how to define your work. This is not the end of the road for me. But one year on, the road looks different. I dream in Sales Trainings that I could provide, and in Communication Trainings that started with The Goodbye Good Girl Project and now include Sales, Fundraising, and Customer Service. I dream in public speaking about connection and communication and community. I dream about making a difference in peoples' quality of life. I dream of making people laugh. And I dream of a better quality of life for myself, and a partner to share it with, so that when I come home I can tell that partner my stories, and the stories of the never-ending line of humanity that pours itself into my ears all day long, five days a week. I dream of a place to rest within myself, as well as in my partner's arms at night. I dream of peace. Self-love. And that step-by-step groundedness that the Southern men speak into my ears when they call, challenging me to just be. And I dream of finding my pinnacle life where my acting, my communication, my singing, my compassion, my laughter, my service and my financial reward come together like a magical composition, turning my life into a song of praise for life itself, lighting up my world with joy and understanding and hugs. I dream of a world filled with the transformational care and compassion that our world seems to have lost. Not bad dreaming for someone who "just" does Customer Service. ©2019 Lori Kirstein Do you like the idea of breaking those social "should's" that have held you back for too long? Do you like the idea of successfully changing your modes of communication, your business goals, your self-image, and to your quality of life? Lori Kirstein, CEO The Goodbye Good Girl™ Project LLC Magnifying Your Strengths by Kicking the Good Girl Rules to the Curb! Cincinnati, OH 45205

- a strong desire to do or achieve something. - “her ambition was to become a pilot” - desire and determination to achieve success. - “young men and women with ambition” The Isolated Past Two and a half years ago I sat in my parents house feeling stuck, isolated, and alone. I was trapped. I co-owned a SaaS company in Barcelona and after experiencing continual issues with my partner my only options left were to stick it out and deal with the cards I was dealt or run away like a dog with his tail between his legs. So, in the meantime I created a third option: walk, don’t run, over to my parents house back in the states to open a fancy U.S. office and desperately hold on to this dream of building a SaaS company worth millions. Ambitious right? So there I sat at the kitchen table (aka fancy office) with my unconditionally supportive mom and dad, telling them how much it would help to know someone else who had gone through this and made it out successfully… or at least alive. The anxiety I felt in those days was crippling and the fact I knew not one other soul who could truly understand made it even worse. I knew entrepreneur’s block was just around the corner if I didn’t push myself out of this isolation and meet likeminded women. So there in the kitchen I decided to cancel my scheduled 7:00 pm pity party and find a solution for my loneliness and isolation. After spending years living outside of my country working long days and weekends I successfully pushed away most of the people I had in my network. So, then and there I decided I would make my own little gang of women entrepreneurs who would be each others: - Support System - Business coaches - No sugar-coated feedback source - & Friends My whole demeanor changed right there within a 5 minute timespan as I started to imagine life being surrounded by people who just get it. Who are going through a similar rollercoaster ride full of thrilling ups and scary downs. Who don’t look at you with deep concern and worry each time you describe the challenges your company is facing and the possible outcomes. People who simply get the journey of being an entrepreneur, they get why you do it and they get why it doesn’t always work out. As I turned to describe this new idea to tackle entrepreneur isolation my parent’s faces went from “oh dear she’s really lost it this time” to “okay she might be on to something”. It’s been months that my parents had been living with an Eeyore version of their daughter and all of a sudden Tigger had come into the picture. Now that I had their attention bouncing around the room it was brainstorming time, what would I call this thing? The Future Redefined Women With Ambition was one of my first ideas but right away I was nervous people would think we are a group of greedy women desperate to get to the top. Ambition has meant many things in the past but it generally is positive in the context of men (successful, motivated, diligent) and negative in the context of women (greedy, pushy, aggressive). Once I realized why I felt so cautious of the word ambition I also realized the opportunity to change the future of women with ambition, to redefine this word in our context and help shape the image of successful female founders. When I think of women entrepreneurs who have made it to the top I think of their ability to solve problems, innovate, adapt, listen, learn and be resilient as hell. This isn’t a movement against men and their success, it’s a shift in how both genders perceive women and their success. They say you are a reflection of the 5 people you spend the most time with. I say these people shouldn’t be chosen by default. They should be carefully chosen to reflect not only who you are today but who you want to become in the future. Now I Challenge You So here's my challenge for you. To celebrate International Women's Day write down 5 women in your life who are ambitious. Then write down 5 compliments of each women that have nothing to do with physical appearance. Our perception of ambition can change if we train our minds to see the overwhelmingly positive. Send your list of 5 ambitious women and 5 compliments of each to firstname.lastname@example.org to enter a contest to win the book Thrive by Arianna Huffington! 🎉 Together we can create a bright future for all Women With Ambition! Happy International Women’s Day to all the people in the world who support and empower each other! Keep on shining! Written By: Kelly Rogan Kelly is the founder of Women With Ambition, a tech startup consultant and avid lover of dogs, travel, running & family time.

Beyond Blepharoplasty: Almond Eye surgery to modulate lower lid contouring What is Almond Eye Surgery? Almond eye surgery is a procedure used to correct sagging of the lower lid contour, which is a common feature in many individuals and can result in a tired, sad, and withdrawn appearance. This procedure is a specialised form of blepharoplasty and must be carried out by a highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon. Almond-shaped eyes are characterised by a slightly raised outer corner or canthus, and a lower eyelid that sits at the lower edge of the iris. Many people have this eye shape naturally due to ethnicity or genetics, while others may have a different shape altogether. Appearance can have an enormous psychological impact and the eyes in particular play an important role in perceived attractiveness and communication. Studies have shown that in some cultures and ethnic groups around the world, certain eye shapes are considered to be an indicator of beauty. For this reason, some people may wish to undergo almond eye surgery to achieve what they perceive to be a more attractive or less tired looking eye shape. While there is wide variability in the contours of the eyelids, resulting in many different eye shapes, this is only partly due to the nature of the eyelids themselves. Eye shapes are often determined by the shape of the midface, the depth of the eye sockets and, importantly, the size of the globes (eyeballs). Why is Almond Eye Surgery Carried Out? Conventional blepharoplasty is effective at reducing excess tissue but is not able to correct changes in the shape of the lid contours. Almond Eye Surgery, on the other hand, focuses on changing the shape of the eye, rather than the reduction of skin and eye bags. The procedure, therefore, appeals to those seeking specialist aesthetic treatments, which is particularly the case for younger patients. A variety of eyelid shape parameters can be changed using established treatments such as: What Causes Lower Lid Sag? There are many causes for lower lid sag and retraction, which can either be due to diseases or simply constitutional. The pathological causes include a variety of conditions affecting the skin, such as dermatitis, burns and skin tumours. Moreover, in specialised oculoplastic aesthetic practice, there is a significant number of patients with post blepharoplasty retraction - a complication as prevalent as up to 20% in some studies. Thyroid eye disease and other forms of inflammatory orbital conditions can also cause this. Most patients with constitutional lower lid sag are typically seen in the context of myopia (widely known as short-sightedness). Myopic eyes have a larger diameter and tend to protrude forward in what is described as a “negative vector” eye configuration. In these settings, the lower lids have less support and often appear to be sagging. It is also associated with canthal dystopia (the drooping of the outer corner of the eye), which can give rise to a lethargic or sad appearance. How is Almond Eye Surgery Performed? Almond eye surgery and the correction of lower lid sag requires complex procedures with very narrow margins of error. Such procedures should only be performed by highly skilled oculoplastic surgeons, who will carry out meticulous planning and examination of the eyes themselves. The eyelid is a complex multi-layered structure (see figure 1) so as with all eyelid surgery, this procedure requires a detailed biomicroscopic assessment of the ocular surface before proceeding. Almond Eye Surgery is performed under local or general anaesthetic and involves three critical parts: lower lid septo-retractor recession, mucograft implantation, and lateral canthoplasty. The precise details of the surgery are complex, but essentially, the surgery is performed through the inside of the eyelid, leaving no noticeable scars. Through the conjunctival incision, the natural retractor bands within the eyelid itself are released, and then the spacer graft is sutured in to elevate the eyelid and prevent retractor re-attachment. A canthoplasty procedure resets the lateral canthal position, to provide further support for the eyelid and ensure that the canthal tilt (angle between medial and lateral canthi) is improved. Mucograft is commonly used in dental reconstruction. It is a highly versatile component allowing for full integration into the inner eyelid. This lower eyelid procedure represents a novel application for this material. If patients have skin and muscle shortage (anterior lamella), this procedure is less likely to work, as raising the lower lid in the context of skin shortage is more complex, requiring midface elevation and is generally not recommended as a primary aesthetic procedure. Does Almond Eye Surgery Leave Scars? Scarring is rarely a problem, as the Almond eye procedure is undertaken through internal incisions on the inside of the eyelid. Is Almond Eye Surgery safe? Yes, almond eye surgery is safe. It is a very delicate procedure that can be even more complicated in patients who have had prior eyelid surgery or who have protruding eyes, so consulting a specialist oculoplastic surgeon is vital. What Happens During Post-Surgical Recovery? Recovery after Almond Eye Surgery is usually between 2-3 weeks. Patients will be able to go home after the procedure but should get plenty of rest and refrain from strenuous activity for the first couple of weeks. It is common to notice some bruising and swelling for 7-10 days. For some patients, recovery may be longer as they can experience chemosis (also known as conjunctival oedema), which is a type of swelling/inflammation of the eye, particularly prevalent in myopic patients. After surgery, until the mucograft integrates into the lower lid tissues, it maintains a hard and roughened surface. Bandage contact lenses are used in the meantime to allow for comfort, along with prophylactic antibiotics to reduce pain and swelling. Although patients can return to work and resume normal activities after 2-3 weeks, complete healing can take several months. What are the Results of Almond Eye Surgery? When performed by an experienced surgeon, the results of almond eye surgery are natural and long-lasting, avoiding any drastic changes to the eyes or facial appearance. As such, most patients are happy with the outcome of the surgery. Typically, the elevation of the lateral and central parts of the eye can be as much as 2-3mm. Although this seems like a small amount, the normal palpebral aperture is between 8-9mm, which means the change after surgery represents a remarkable improvement. What Factors Need to Be Considered for Almond Eye Surgery? When counselling a patient for this surgery, a meticulous examination of the eyelids and eyes is required. The Almond eye procedure will not work for all patients. Several factors need to be considered when deciding if this procedure is right for you: - Patients with a negative vector eye configuration (meaning that the eye is further forward than the cheek) are less likely to maintain the postsurgical elevation, due to limitation in lateral support of the new eyelid position. - Patients with existing ocular surface disease, particularly blepharitis or dry eye, can experience long-term discomfort after this surgery, and a thorough examination is required to identify if this is a problem.

Pharmalot's Ed Silverman has been delving into AstraZeneca's ($AZN) newly announced program to open up 22 of its drug programs to academic investigators who can use funds from the U.K.'s Medicines Research Council to explore new uses for the treatments. And his Q&A with AstraZeneca VP Clive Morris, who heads up the Big Pharma company's innovative medicines unit, helps shed light on some of the new thinking that's going into drug R&D these days and how academic investigators can play an important role in the process. As Morris explains, like other Big Pharma outfits, AstraZeneca has been breaking up its R&D operations into smaller, more closely focused units as it tries to spur improved productivity. But the company didn't want to lose its ability to explore new ways to repurpose its drugs for other ailments outside its short list. AZ has a portfolio of "deprioritized" experimental drugs that might have unexpected potential. "Every one of the individual units has its own business plan and strategy," Morris tells Pharmalot. "They tend to be very different, but in some ways come together and look for ways to work across groups. The question was how can we do this in a way and not to create a big large internal machine? How do we act on finding the best external science and collaborations to drive our science?" "As we looked at repositioning, we established a list of compounds for potential repositioning into new diseases. But what are the cost effective ways? Which academic institutions? We could talk to individual institutions, but wouldn't it be better to pass the net broadly? And so here's a pool of assets to explore, but we don't know which diseases or patients they may work in. With the MRC, we get a broad selection of proposals for diseases where we don't have expertise. MRC has a strong drive around promoting translational research in the UK. ... They've bemoaned about the access to compounds from industry." - here's a link to the full interview

The Demon Lover Summary In "The Demon Lover," Kathleen Drover returns to her home in London to collect things for her family, who have fled due to World War II. Kathleen finds a mysterious letter. It has no stamp or return address. The letter reminds her of a promise she made to meet with her supposedly deceased former lover. He died in World War I, however, and she doesn't know who or what would demand she keep the appointment. - She leaves the house, determined to depart London, but it quickly becomes apparent that the taxi she hails is under the control of some supernatural force. A prosaic and dependable woman in her early forties, Kathleen Drover returns to her home in the Kensington area of London one afternoon to retrieve articles for herself and her family, who have taken refuge in the country from the blitz. As she enters the deserted street, a feeling of familiarity and strangeness overwhelms her. The German rockets have taken their toll on the street, on the square in which it is situated, on the house, and, the reader soon learns, on Kathleen herself. She opens the door of the closed house and is immediately aware of the dead air that greets her. As she makes her way to her bedroom to retrieve the things she has come to fetch, the furniture and the marks on the floors and on the wall remind her of her life between two wars. She soon notices that the humid air outside has given way to rain. Seeing a letter on the hall table, she is annoyed that it has not been forwarded to her by either the postal service or the caretaker. She notes that the letter has no stamps on it and wonders how it could have made its way there because the caretaker has, ostensibly, been away for several weeks. She goes up the stairs, enters her former bedroom, and reads the letter, which bears that day’s date. The brief message, signed K., reminds her of a promise that she made twenty-five years ago when she was engaged to a soldier who later died in World War I. The sender states that he is sure that, even though Kathleen has left London, she will keep the rendezvous. She is frightened not only by the message but also by the mysterious means by which it has found its way to her, by the fact that her every action may have been observed by an unknown person. As she goes about gathering the items she has come to collect, she is haunted by her memories of the mysterious soldier whom she promised to marry twenty-five years before. She remembers the “unnatural promise” that he exacted from her. Her most vivid remembrance of him, however, is tactile—the feel of the brass button of his uniform against her hand—and she looks to see if the imprint of it is still on her palm. The twenty-five years that have passed since their last meeting dissolve like smoke in her moment of present awareness. She thinks that she cannot remember what her lover did to make her plight so sinister a troth, but as she recovers the emotion that occasioned the promise, she remembers. What she cannot remember is her lover’s face. She recalls that his death caused in her a “dislocation.” She remembers that in the last week of his leave, she was not herself. She also remembers her parents’ relief that their daughter would not marry the mysterious young man to whom she had engaged herself, and their belief that, after a suitable period of mourning, she would return to normal activity. However, for years no suitors had presented themselves. Much later, when she was in her early thirties, to her parents’ and her own surprise, she married William Drover and later bore him two children, the second being a difficult birth. While making her preparations to leave the house, Kathleen examines and then dismisses the notion of supernatural intervention in her present life. She thinks, however, that she must concern herself with the appointed hour to which the note refers. Having heard the clock strike six, she assumes that she has sufficient time to complete her chores, walk to the... (The entire section is 1,373 words.)

Tips to Follow When Buying the Wetsuit Whenever you are planning to go surfing or even diving with your friends and family members, you have to ensure that you have organized yourself very well. make sure also that you have purchased the right wetsuit that will help you during diving or when surfing. Consider buying the wetsuits from that shop that is well known to be the best wetsuit Wearhouse for you to have the most excellent quality wetsuit outlet that sell more here. If possible, you can decide to visit the internet to find the best supplier of the wetsuits that you will be able to purchase the wetsuits that will give you a more wetsuit extended service. You can decide to visit the site of any wetsuit provider or supplier that is well known so that you can compare and select the best design of the wetsuit that you will purchase. The best reason as to why you should consider buying the wetsuits is the fact that it will help you with the ability to swim better. The other advantage of having a wetsuit when you are going surfing or diving is that you will be provided with warmth since the wetsuits deliver the divers with warmth when they are diving or surfing in cold water. Another thing as to why the wetsuits are known to be the best when surfing or even diving I that it helps in reducing drags an also helps in providing the slicker surface. Purchasing the best wetsuit from the best manufacturer can be a process due to the increase in number of shops that are providing or supplying the wetsuits like o’neill wetsuit declaring to be the finest suppliers to shop here!. The material is the primary thing to put in mind when you are planning to purchase the best wetsuit that you’ll use when going to surf or even to swim. If possible you can decide to determine the various materials that are used to manufacturer or eve to produce this wetsuit and select the best one that meets your needs. The critical thing to do is to visit the website of those shops that are selling the wetsuits so that you can find the right size that suits you. Ensure that you have selected the right wetsuit that is manufactured by a brand that is well known to be the finest. You have to ensure that you have considered the brand that produces the ideal wetsuit that you will be able to purchase. The zipper is yet another important thing to put in your deciding factor when planning ton purchase the wetsuit that you will use in surfing or even swimming with your friends. The style of that wetsuit is another essential thing to put in mind when you are planning on buying the wetsuit to go surfing or even diving with.

Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Britain has produced quite a range of stories. Some are eye-catching but ultimately rather ephemeral, such as the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry or Boris Johnson’s call for a ‘channel bridge‘. Then you have the latest round of Brexit arm-wrestling, as seen in this morning’s stories about the President setting out tough conditions for ongoing access to EU markets for the City of London, and attempts to ‘mask the fallout’, as the FT puts it, with ” a flurry of joint defence, economic and cultural initiatives”. But one story is notable by its absence – especially considering the years-long trail it has had from the Remain and continuity-Remain campaigns over the past few years: the collapse of Anglo-French border controls. Prior to the referendum vote, remember, David Cameron was predicting that the Treaty of Le Touquet would get torn up and the so-called ‘Jungle’ would be relocating to Kent. Yet this week has confirmed that – for a fee – the camp will remain at its current home on the other side of the Channel. There will be a row about the money – Britain is forking out an extra £44 million to help France police the border in Calais and this is, as The Sun points out, just the latest in a string of payments over the past few years which total £170 million. But then, the idea that the UK might use its status as a net contributor to buy its way into individual elements of the pre-Brexit state of affairs isn’t a new one. It has never been in France’s interests to throw open the gates and allow all and sundry to cross the Channel – just as it was never in the rational interests of Scots to abandon the Union over Brexit. Doing so would simply induce huge numbers of additional migrants to make the journey across France, a prospect which French voters are little keener on than their British counterparts. There are plenty of battles still to fight before the Brexit negotiations conclude, as Macron’s tough talk on the City makes more than clear. But the dooms prophesied by Remainers has been delayed yet again – even if they are a bit circumspect in acknowledging it.

Avoid Car Scams in South Africa Whether you are buying or selling a car, you should always take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed. This article offers advice on how to avoid car scams in South Africa. What are car scams? A scam can be defined as an intentional, deceptive, fraudulent activity with the intention of obtaining money or possessions from an individual. The person responsible for the scam is commonly known as a scammer'. What are the signs of a car scam? Car scams can be presented in many different ways and usually occur via the Internet, E-mail or SMS. The following are common signs of a scam: - The price of the car is well below the market value - Scammers will refuse to provide sufficient contact details. The phone number provided is either faulty, remains unanswered or goes directly to voice mail - Scammers will usually make an excuse for not being available via telephone - Scammers may demand the full price of the car, or a deposit, to be transferred immediately. Once they have received money they fail to release the vehicle and become difficult to contact - Scammers often claim to live overseas or have some kind of hidden agenda How can you avoid being scammed by a car seller? Cars.co.za makes a considerable effort to ensure that every private vehicle advertised is a legitimate vehicle. Nonetheless, it's important to know how to avoid being scammed by a private car seller, take note of the following: - Never transfer or hand over cash to a seller if you have not seen and verified the vehicle - Always meet with the seller in person, preferably in a public place - Always do a history check on the vehicle to ensure that it's not stolen and that the car's details match those on the ownership registration and roadworthy documents - Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the number on the owner registration and roadworthy documents and that the VIN number on the car has not been tampered with - Check that the seller's address matches the address on the registration and roadworthy documents - Research the car's value by searching for similar models on Cars.co.za. If the value of the car is far below what it should be, it could be a scam - Check the service history of the car - Scammers prefer to use email as a preferred method of communication. Always contact the seller via a phone number, preferably a landline number - If you suspect fraud or are a victim of a scam, contact your nearest Police station immediately - If you wish to verify the legitimacy of a vehicle on Cars.co.za contact 011 450 2450 *Tip: If you feel unsure about the car, the seller or the documents rather walk away. How can you avoid being scammed by a car buyer? To avoid car scams by a car buyer take note of the following, - Never allow a potential car buyer to test drive the car alone, it may even be required to take another person on the test drive with you - Ensure that the potential buyer has a valid drivers licence and sufficient insurance in case of an accident occurring while on the test drive - Never leave the car or the keys unattended or left in the ignition. A key swop is a common method used by criminals to steal a car - Be wary of car buyers who do not want to view the vehicle in person - Be wary of payments made by cheque. If a buyer pays with a cheque, wait until the check has been verified, cleared and given value by the bank before transferring ownership or handing over the vehicle - If the buyer wants to pay with cash, arrange to meet at the bank where the cash can be verified and banked safely, - Always check that the correct amount of money has been received before transferring ownership or handing over the vehicle - If you suspect fraud, or are a victim of a scam, contact your nearest Police station immediately *Tip: Find out as much as you possibly can about a potential buyer. Whether you are buying a car or selling a car , always be on the lookout for car scams and take the necessary precautions to avoid being scammed. Be vigilant at all times.

1-room studio 27 m2, on the ground floor. Fully renovated, modern and tasteful furnishings: living room with TV (flat screen). Alcove, window onto the courtyard with 1 french bed (1 x 140 cm). Open kitchen (2 ceramic glass hob hotplates, microwave, electric coffee machine). Shower, sep. WC. Electric heating. Facilities: washing machine, iron. Internet (WiFi, free). Please note: smoke alarm. 64122172106PN BIARRITZ: 3-family house "Verdun". In the district of Verdun, in the centre of Biarritz, in a central, quiet position, 800 m from the sea, 800 m from the beach. Shop 400 m, grocery 300 m, restaurant 200 m, bakery 20 m, café 200 m, 1 minute walk to the centre, bus stop 50 m, sandy beach "La Grande Plage", indoor swimming pool 800 m. Golf course (18 hole) 1.5 km, surf school 800 m. Nearby attractions: Aquarium de Biarritz 1.6 km, Hotel du Palais 1.4 km, Phare de Biarritz 2 km, Marché des Halles 900 m. Well-known lakes can easily be reached: Lac Mouriscot 4.8 km. Hiking paths: Promenade Milady 2.9 km. Please note: railway line 3.1 km from the property. Airfield 3.8 km from the property. Prior to your departure, you will receive the key collection information for your stay, along with your travel documents. Important, famous bathing resort with 30'000 inhabitants, directly by the sea, in an idyllic position with beautiful view, 25 km north from Espagne, 195 km south from Bordeaux, 300 km west from Toulouse. All shops, restaurants etc. in the resort. Disco, night club, casino, concerts, evening entertainment, museum, cinema, attractions. Indoor aquatic centre, health cures, massage, thalassotherapy. Access: motorway A63 Bordeaux - Hendaye. Sandy beach. Sea water outdoor swimming pool. Diving, surfing. Tennis (4 outdoor courts 3 km, 2 indoor courts 3 km), golf course 18 hole in Golf de Biarritz 3 km, 4 more golf courses within a radius from 3 - 18 km. Riding in Bidart 4 km. Fitness course. Fishing. Hiking paths. Bicycle paths, bicycles and mountain bikes for hire. Ice rink at 9 km, winter golf course, indoor tennis centre. Click on your desired arrival date in the calendar and select the duration of your stay using the drop down menu. It takes less than two minutes to make your reservation online.

Virtual tours are made up from a series of 360 degree pictures of a home or premises. These picture are then stitched together using computer software to make a 3D space the viewer can move through. Navigate 360 produces high quality virtual tours that can be tailored to your businesses individual needs. But through the use of the latest technology we have streamlined our own workflow in order to pass on that cost saving to you. Navigate 360 is therefore a cost effect way for your business to add a virtual tour to its marketing profile. Also as a Goggle Street View trusted photographer, Navigate 360 can upload your virtual tour to your online listing. Check out our Street View page. Although virtual tours are a relatively new media they have grown massively in popularity, becoming the most in demand form of visual marketing. Navigate 360 virtual tours allow your customers to access and view your business from the comfort of their own home. Therefore virtual tours showcase your business and give your customers a much greater appreciation of the quality of your products and services. By showing your customers exactly what you can offer, virtual tours help your business with targeted marketing. This can be particularly beneficial for customers who posses individual requirements, such as those with disabilities. Providing a Navigate 360 virtual tour tells your customers you are open, honest and transparent about your products or services. Therefore resulting in an increased consumer confidence in your brand. This unparalleled access to your business gives customers the information they need to conclude their online search and make a purchase. Due to modern on-demand digital content and social media, customers are increasingly anticipating visually engaging information. The immersive nature of virtual tours grabs your customers attention and holds them on your website for 10 times longer, giving your business the competitive edge. As a Google trusted photographer Navigate 360 can upload your virtual tour to the Google Street View platform. We aim to make this process as easy as possible with on-site photo shoots lasting as little as 30 minutes. Navigate 360 will then take care of the rest, processing the images into a virtual tour, and then uploading it to your business listing. With 82% of consumers using online research before visiting a business, media rich listings have become a crucial part of any online marketing presence. Adding a Street View tour to your online listing tells your customers you are open, honest and transparent about your products or services. Therefore resulting in an increased consumer confidence in your business and brand. A Street View listing helps showcase the quality of your products and services to your customers anywhere at anytime. A Street View listing helps your business with targeted marketing, by showing your customers exactly what you can offer them. Adding a Street View listing to your online marketing provides your customers the information they need to assess whether your business meets their individual requirements, such as any access issues.

Are you prepared for this months health plan changes under the PPACA? Numerous provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act take effect for plan years beginning on or after Sept. 23. Some involve a notification to plan participants. The post-Sept. 23 requirements are: - Grandfathered plans: Health plans in effect on March 23, 2010 are exempt from some health care reform provisions. For plans that choose to maintain grandfathered status, participants are entitled to a notice of that intent. - Appeals process: Health plans must install an internal and external appeals process. (Does not apply to grandfathered plans.) The internal review process must follow Department of Labor claims procedure; there is no change to self-funded plans. External review process for fully-insured plans must follow state law process, or if none, HHS guidance. External review process for self-funded plans must follow HHS guidance. Plan participants should be given a notice explaining their right to appeal claims decisions. - Annual limits: Only restricted annual limits may be placed on health plans except for per beneficiary annual limits on nonessential health benefits. Federal law and/or state law may prohibit specific benefit lifetime limits. Note that some lower lifetime limits on a per beneficiary basis may violate the ADA. - Dependent coverage extension: Health plans that offer dependent coverage are required to cover children up to age 26. Plan participants should be notified of this new option. (Grandfathered group health plans are not required to cover adult children up to age 26 if that dependent is eligible for other eligible employer-sponsored coverage.) - Lifetime limits: Lifetime limits are prohibited except for specific covered benefits that are not "essential health benefits." Participants who have reached the plan’s lifetime limits are entitled to a special enrollment notice informing them that they are again eligible to have claims paid. - Pre-existing conditions: Pre-existing condition exclusions are prohibited for covered children under age 19. - Preventive care: Plan sponsors must provide coverage for select evidence-based preventive care, certain immunizations, and certain additional care and screenings for women. This coverage must be provided on a first dollar basis (no cost-sharing with participants: co-pays, coinsurance, etc.) Does not apply to grandfathered plans. - Rescission: Health coverage cannot be cancelled except for fraud, etc. This provision generally applies to individual health insurance. It does not prevent the employer from terminating the plan

Please note these shorts comes up slightly small if in doubt go up a size These beautiful shorts are the key to effortless style. They feature side pockets and elasticated waistband. Perfect for holiday, the seaside or a sunny afternoon in the garden. - 100% ViscoseCrinkle - Lightweight soft crinkle fabric - Short shorts - Elasticated back waistband for the perfect fit - Two side pockets - Model is 5'9 UK 10 and is wearing an S We love Viscose Crinkle not only because it is soft and flows nicely. But, it is also a natural, sustainable and fully biodegradable fabric, that originates from tree pulp. View our full how-to-measure-yourself guide here. LENGTH -Waist to hem WAIST - narrowest point (full circumference) - Size S: Length: 36.5cm ,Waist: 72cm. - Size M:Length:37.5cm ,Waist: 77cm. - Size L:Length:38.5cm ,Waist: 82cm. - Wear on the beach with a Bikini and Kenyan Sandals - Care instructions: Machine wash at 30°, dry flat, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, do not dry iron. Please Note: Our warehouse only sends goods out Monday-Friday, so orders placed after 1pm on Friday afternoon and on Saturday and Sunday will be despatched Monday. UNITED KINGDOM DELIVERY OPTIONS: UK Royal Mail Standard Delivery (£4.99) (arrives 2-4 working days) UK Express Delivery (£9.99) (place order before 1pm Monday - Thursday to receive next working day) All orders over £200 will be upgraded to Next Working Day Delivery. However orders must be placed before 1pm weekdays to be received next working day. All our orders have a tracking number which will be emailed to you when the order is despatched. International Tracked (£20) (arrives in 5-20 working days) If, for whatever reason, you're not tripping over yourself to get down to the beach with your new purchase(s), we are more than happy to offer you a full refund on all goods returned to us in resalable condition within 14 days of purchase. Therefore, please try your sandals on a carpeted surface until you are sure that they are destined for your wardrobe. Regrettably, we do not offer free returns. Consequently any delivery and postage charges are non-refundable unless your order is incorrect or faulty. Please get in touch if this is the case. For your peace of mind please make sure you ask for a stamped ‘Certificate of Posting’ to keep as a receipt, as we cannot take responsibility for items that for whatever reason fail to reach Aspiga HQ. Please send back to: Aspiga C/O Torque Wortley Moor Road

In Love with Ginger University professor Peter Morgan (James Stewart) is in the city to find his cousin Keith (James Ellison) and return him home. It is why he finds himself in a night club and it is where he finds himself lost for words when he sees night club singer Francey (Ginger Rogers). It leads to them walking around town all night with Peter completely in love before the night is out and with Francey in love with him. It is how they come to be married and on a train heading for Peter's hometown, Old Sharon. Thing is before he can tell his extremely conservative father, Peter Morgan Sr. (Charles Coburn), that the beautiful blonde he is travelling with is his wife his father pours scorn on her leaving Peter trying to tell his parents that he has got married but struggling every time. "Vivacious Lady" is the sort of movie which highlights how much power old stars have with their fans, what I mean by that is simply the combination of Ginger Rogers and James Stewart makes this a lot more popular than it probably deserves. So take the youthful combo of Rogers and Stewart out of the equation for a minute and what you have is a simple comedy where a young man having got married struggles to tell his conservative father who bosses him about and won't let him get a word in edge ways. And just as typically there is a girlfriend of sorts who is making a play for our young man. It is just a typical confusion comedy which thanks to it being a product of the late 30s is a lot snappier than later similar movies. But it is the appeal of the stars who make "Vivacious Lady" as you have Ginger Rogers delivering all the usual comedy with that exceptional timing which so few stars have these days. But then you have her playing cute and adorable and when she leans in and whispers "I love you" in Tommy's ear it is enough to make any man go weak at the knee and wish they could travel back in time. But James Stewart is in just as much fine form playing that typical awe schucks sort of character but delivering such a gentleness in the quiet scenes it is quite beautiful. And combined you can tell even now that Ginger Rogers and James Stewart were close friends. In fairness it isn't just Ginger Rogers and James Stewart who make "Vivacious Lady" as Charles Coburn is in fine comical blustering form whilst Beulah Bondi has a few fun scenes of her own whilst, yes you guessed it, playing James Stewarts' mother again, some thing she did five times no less. What this all boils down to is that "Vivacious Lady" is a good movie with plenty of comedy and fun dialogue. But it is a movie which becomes more than okay for those who are fans of either Ginger Rogers or James Stewart as it is their chemistry and comic talents which end up giving the movie that some thing more.

And in the morning, Cora dropped her body onto the pull-out couch beside her friend Stephen who had stayed the night. Ice storm, polar vortex, frost quake, it had been a long winter. It was still winter, and it was cold in the living room, but Cora was wearing a thick red sweater with a picture of The Great Wall of China on it. Cora liked this sweater a lot. “Do you have anything to lend me?” Stephen asked. “Like a thing or a piece of advice.” It was Saturday morning all around them. In the apartment below, Cora could hear her landlord getting ready for a party that would happen that afternoon. The party was for the landlord’s father who had turned one-hundred-years-old three days before. “Keep your pyjamas in your closet,” Cora said. “You’ll be way more likely to put your clothes away at night.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” One-hundred-years-old, Cora said to herself. She felt each word like it was an almond in her mouth. She couldn’t imagine being one-hundred, but she was twenty-five now, and when she was ten, she couldn’t imagine being twenty-five. “Now you go,” said Cora. She leaned into the pillows and the sunlight and the faint whisper of the one-hundred-year-old man downstairs singing in Ukrainian. She waited while Stephen flipped through his phone to find a picture he’d taken of a page of a book. The book was about John Cage, and it told Cora and Stephen to accept that nothing in life is certain, to accept change and a new way of improvised living. Cora made Stephen pierogies for breakfast. While they waited for the streetcar in the sun, Stephen stuck one of his band stickers to the streetcar shelter and took a picture of it. “Art,” said Stephen. “Tweet that,” said Cora. “I’ll MySpace it,” said Stephen. “Friendster,” said Cora. When she got back to her building, people were already arriving for the one-hundredth birthday party, and there were two framed letters in the hallway. One was from the pope and one was from the queen, and they were both wishing the Ukrainian man a happy one-hundredth birthday. One-hundred-years-old, Cora said to herself. She couldn’t imagine where she’d be in seventy-five years. She remembered being seventeen and coming to Toronto for the first time on her own. She remembered how she couldn’t imagine living in such a big and dirty city, but here she was. In her imagined future, Cora always lived in Toronto, the people she knew were still her friends and she still spent too much time thinking about her hair, but the one-hundred-year-old man was born in the Ukraine, and one-hundred years of things had happened to him, not only facebook and twitter, but two world wars and television, and now he lived in Toronto, and he lived below Cora, and he was getting letters from the pope and letters from the queen.

1. N.Y. Est. Powers and Trusts Law section 4-1.1 (McKinney 2015) provides the New York laws of intestate succession. It provides: a. If a decedent is survived by a spouse and issue, the spouse receives the first $50,000 and one-half of the rest of the decedent’s estate. The issue take the rest BY REPRESENTATION (each distributee in the same generation gets an equal share). b. If a decedent is survived by a spouse and no issue, the spouse inherits the entire estate. c. If a decedent is survived by no issue and no spouse, parent(s) inherit the estate (unless they are disqualified for failure to support the decedent when the decedent was under age 21). 2. According to N.Y. Est. Powers and Trusts Law section 3-1.1 (McKinney 2013) a testator must be at least 18 years old to have testamentary capacity. The testator must also have “sound mind and memory”. 3. N.Y. Est. Powers and Trusts Law section 3-2.1 (McKinney 2013) sets out the requirements of due execution of wills. At least two attesting witnesses are required in New York. 4. The most populous city in New York State is New York City (with a population of approximately 8.3 million according to the U.S. Census Quick Facts website). 5. Milbank, (a law firm founded in 1866) has a famous and prestigious Trusts and Estates practice based in New York City. 6. Miller Samuel, Inc. is a real estate appraisal company in New York City. The president of the company, Jonathan J. Miller is cited in this interesting article about appraisals from the New York Times. 7. The New York State Surrogate’s Court probates wills in New York City. There are five branches of the Surrogate’s Court in New York City. The address of the Surrogate’s Court for Kings County is 2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201. The New York County Surrogate’s Court is located at 31 Chambers Street. New York, New York 10007. 8. A student who wishes to earn an Associate or Baccalaureate degree in Paralegal Studies would do well to earn a degree from New York City College of Technology. Its Department of Law and Paralegal Studies is ABA-approved. Full time students who are residents pay tuition of $3,165 per semester. City Tech’s Estates Trusts and Wills course is described in its catalog as ” A basic overview of estate terminology, the jurisdiction of Surrogates Court and estate administration procedures. The fundamental law of wills, trusts and estates, as well as the preparation of the basic legal documents in each of these areas.” The course outline can be viewed here.

Last Updated on Sleep is undoubtedly one of the most important body functions of every individual. Without appropriate sleep, it becomes impossible for the body to perform important tasks. However, you need to understand that there are certain sleep disorders and conditions faced by individuals which can cause movement while sleeping or before sleeping. These disorders are responsible for making it extremely difficult to fall asleep quickly and get good quality sleep. According to https://www.cnbc.com, reading books can reduce mental pressure, which can improve the quality of sleep. Given below is a list of the sleep movement disorders that you should know about. Restless leg syndrome Restless leg syndrome is responsible for causing itching or burning inside the legs as soon as you lie down. This makes it extremely difficult for you to get comfortable. It is one of the neurological sleep disorders, which will provide you with an extreme urge to move the legs. These symptoms start becoming worse during the night. The sensation that is associated is difficult for people to explain. You can start feeling itching and burning sensation inside the legs. However, if you move the legs and get up and decide to walk around, the symptoms are going to go away. Periodic limb movements Disorder (PLMD) When you are having episodes of simple but repeated movements of the muscles, it is termed as periodic limb movements. You are not capable of controlling these movements. They are not going to prevent you from going to sleep; however, they are responsible for constantly disrupting the sleep at night. This is why you can be extremely tired when you wake up the next morning. Periodic movements do not involve any change in the body position. However, it leads to the flexing and tightening of muscles. This occurs mostly in the lower portions of the legs. This is one of the most crucial Sleep-Related Movement Disorders you should know about. Sleep leg cramps These are intense feelings of pain and discomfort in the foot and leg. The pain is going to be caused when the muscles are contracting and tightening. The cramps keep rocking and it becomes impossible for you to take control of them. This can happen when you are awake or when you are asleep. You can get rid of this by: - Massaging the area of the cramp. - Moving the affected leg. - Applying heat to muscles. Sleep rhythmic movement Sleep rhythmic movement disorder is responsible for involving repeated movements of the body, which occurs when you are asleep or drowsy. This is responsible for happening mostly in children and can lead to head banging, head rolling, and body rocking. Rhythmic humming, as well as various other kinds of sounds is also made along with the movement of the body. These sounds can be extremely loud. This disorder is responsible for involving the clenching and grinding of teeth while a person is sleeping. It is quite common for your jaw to contract when you are sleeping. However, when the contractions are extremely strong, they can produce unwanted sound associated with tooth grinding. This can lead to dental damage by wearing your teeth down. Contents & Quick Navigation What Causes Irregular Extremity Improvement Issue? Regardless of the way that the positive purpose behind PLMD isn’t by and by known, various authorities acknowledge that this disorder starts in the central tactile framework. In any case, no official association has yet been made. Coming up next are inside and out an idea to contribute or affect PLMD anyway aren’t generally seen as an explanation: - caffeine affirmation - solutions like antidepressants, against ailment drugs, lithium, and anticonvulsants - other rest issues, for instance, narcolepsy or RLS - Neuro developmental jumbles like thought lack hyperactivity issue and Williams issue - spinal line harm - iron inadequacy shortcoming - metabolic issue including diabetes and kidney disease PLMD is progressively essential among increasingly prepared adults. As shown by the Sleep Health Foundation, it impacts just around 2 percent of people under 30 years of age, yet it may impact up to 40 percent of people aged 65 years and progressively settled. PLMD impacts individuals correspondingly. What are the symptoms of discontinuous limb advancement issue? - PLMD improvements ordinarily happen every 20 to 40 seconds in bunches of 30 minutes or more during the night. - They are progressively ordinary in the legs yet may occur in the arms as well. - The extremity improvements ordinarily occur during non-quick eye advancement (non-REM) rest. The most notable signs of PLMD fuse the going with: repetitive leg advancements in one or the two legs and every so often in the arms, which may incorporate flexing of the tremendous toe, upward bowing of the knee or lower leg, or snapping of the hip - on edge, unrefreshing rest - Various feelings of excitement around night time - Daytime dormancy and drowsiness - Sensitivity, lead issues and diminishing in execution at school or work due to nonappearance of significant worth rest. How Is Intermittent Appendage Development Issue Analyzed? Regularly individuals originally become mindful that they may have PLMD when their accomplice grumbles of being kicked around evening time. Or on the other hand, they may find that their covers are everywhere toward the beginning of the day. PLMD is determined to have a polysomnography test, likewise called a rest study. This examination is done medium-term in a research facility while you rest. This test records: oxygen levels in your blood other nerve and muscle capacities during rest It’s normally done at a rest issue unit in a medical clinic or at an assigned rest focus. A rest technologist places sensors on your scalp, sanctuaries, chest, and legs utilizing therapeutic paste or tape. The sensors are then associated with a PC with long wires, and estimations are taken all during that time while you’re sleeping. These are the sleep disorder movements that you should know about. You need to ensure that you are visiting your doctor at any point when you feel that the disorders are also disrupting your quality of life. Please note: Articles you read here at FeedFond are genuinely for education or entertainment purpose only. We may earn commissions from the referral link to the products we review. However, this does not influence our judgment, but we strive to help people make an informed decision with positive and negative evaluations. We withhold any responsibility for any loss, risk, and personal or otherwise, experienced as a result, directly or indirectly, from any information or guidance given here.

Total Broadcast Consultants is Ireland's number one choice for broadcast, a company with unparalleled experience and expertise in the radio industry, delivering unequalled quality with customer satisfaction guaranteed. Total Broadcast Consultants is unique - in the recent round of license applications in Ireland, every application that we contributed to was successful! No other company can boast a 100% success rate. FM transmission facilities designed and maintained by Total Broadcast Consultants are renowned for their excellent quality and reliability. In addition, with several AM projects under our belt, we are the only company in Ireland with any recent AM experience. With Total Broadcast Consultants you can be sure that the advice given, the equipment specified and the work done is all designed and guaranteed to be the very best for your radio station. Total Broadcast Consultants have a solid background in radio engineering so you can be sure their recommendations are based primarily on what is best for you, the client. With over over 25 years experience working in the professional radio industry, and during that time having built up a unique insight into the workings of the modern radio station. Total Broadcast has real working experience in presentation, news, programming, sales and marketing - all gained through years at the cutting edge of successful radio stations. With this knowledge we can offer our clients something unique - the ability to see and understand how good technical facilities, design and support are important to today's radio professional. Total Broadcast Consultants prides itself of its broad knowledge, wide gamut of expertise and huge pride in its work. Andy Linton started his relationship with radio engineering at hospital radio stations, progressed through many well-known stations in the 80s and 90s and has recently worked with some of Europe's most respected radio companies. Total Broadcast Consultants completed, in 2003, the most prestigious radio project in Ireland in the past 25 years: The design, supply and installation of the country's first independent regional radio station - Beat 102-103. During this contract, at the country's first two-station, purpose-built radio complex (shared with Waterford's WLR-fm) we completed nine studios and seven transmitter sites in just five weeks - to a standard hitherto unseen in Irish commercial radio. The successful completion of this project was down to our team of installation engineers - all seasoned professionals - and to the ethos of high quality and cost effective service of which we are proud. Since then, we have built several brand new radio stations, in fact of the four regional stations in Ireland, we are responsible for three of them! Total Broadcast Consultants has designed, specified, installed and commissioned more new radio stations in Ireland than any other company! Contact us today and be assured that you are getting the best there is.

In this program, Xie Nas players are the defenders. She has sent Xiong Ziqi and Wu Jinyan to defend. Xiong Ziqi, who started the battle, and Ren Zihui, who was from the happy family, became a couple in need of love test. They have been worried about the test of love upgrading all their lives. They have been defeated and fought repeatedly, but they have been baffled by a problem of what is love. During the performance, Xiong Ziqi incarnated as the rhyme champion and was full of rapture and rhythm. The famous audience frequently said: are you still noisy? Still noisy? Like a sea grass, sea grass, fluttering with the wind, rhyme champion, ten thousand fans, northeast famous mouth bear Ziqi. In the end, Xiong Ziqi swept over other novice players with the highest score of 111 points since the start of broadcasting, and won the championship of the game. Wu Jinyan brought a comedy performance about time for sale. In the show, she plays a girl who sells time for money. In the time exchange, she haggled with a group of buyers and lost precious time while satisfying the money desire. Before she died, she came to realize that she wanted to buy back the years she had sold. At the end of the performance, Wu Jinyan lamented: others have made this life a thick Xinhua Dictionary, while I have made a thin leaflet. Shen Ling amusement park de se dating and reception Lou Yixiao performs a great reversal of the role of father and daughter Under the pressure of the impeccable performance of the defending side, the performance of the attacking side is also impressive. Shen Ling of Li Tans group plays a boy with a lack of social morality, laughs with his blind date girl in the playground, and deliberately destroys all kinds of facilities in the park by various wonderful means. However, the amusement facilities with vital signs are unbearable after being injured for many times, and finally take Shen Ling to the carousel. In the performance, the inflatable dolls inflated themselves, and the funny scenes such as the human body Basketball pattern passed to each other captured the laughter of the whole audience. When Shen Ling appears as a merry go round, it is the theme of if all things have life. Lou Yixiao, as a challenge attacking player of Shen Tengs players, plays the fathers daughter parent in the theme comedy if the elderly also want to go to university. The actors vividly portray their fathers mischievous stories and their daughters godfathers fantastic stories. The development of the plot between father and daughter from fighting wisdom and bravery to mutual understanding also reflects the real family problems. The display of life details such as fathers drinking in class, collusion with uncle and classmates, etc. makes the whole creation cordial and real. Its a good laugh at 20:10 on the evening of this week, the third round of attack and defense challenge arena competition will be staged.

EMS Position Papers The aim of Position Papers is to represent a view of a specific topic and issue, which is supported and shared by the Editorial Board of the Environmental Modelling & Software journal. Yet, the Position Papers shall not be just academic exercises: on the contrary, they must be a source of useful information, building on and synthesising our knowledge, and contributing to the delivery of good practices in the difficult tasks of modelling, understanding, predicting and managing environmental systems and developing associated software applications. Here you can find links to all published Position Papers, from the most recent to the first ones. - Evolutionary algorithms and other metaheuristics in water resources: Current status, research challenges and future directions, Environmental Modelling and Software, 62, 2014, 271-299. Maier H.R., Kapelan Z., Kasprzyk J., Kollat J., Matott L.S., Cunha M.C., Dandy G.C., Gibbs M.S., Keedwell E., Marchi A., Ostfeld A., Savic D., Solomatine D.P., Vrugt J.A., Zecchin A.C., Minsker B.S., Barbour E.J., Kuczera G., Pasha F., Castelletti A., Giuliani M. and Reed P.M - Selecting among five common modelling approaches for integrated environmental assessment and management. Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 47, September 2013, Pages 159-181. Rebecca A. Kelly (Letcher), Anthony J. Jakeman, Olivier Barreteau, Mark E. Borsuk, Sondoss ElSawah, Serena H. Hamilton, Hans Jørgen Henriksen, Sakari Kuikka, Holger R. Maier, Andrea Emilio Rizzoli, Hedwig van Delden, Alexey A. Voinov - Characterising performance of environmental models Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 40, February 2013, Pages 1-20 Neil D. Bennett, Barry F.W. Croke, Giorgio Guariso, Joseph H.A. Guillaume, Serena H. Hamilton, Anthony J. Jakeman, Stefano Marsili-Libelli, Lachlan T.H. Newham, John P. Norton, Charles Perrin, Suzanne A. Pierce, Barbara Robson, Ralf Seppelt, Alexey A. Voinov, Brian D. Fath, Vazken Andreassian - Integrated environmental modeling: A vision and roadmap for the future Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 39, January 2013, Pages 3-23 Gerard F. Laniak, Gabriel Olchin, Jonathan Goodall, Alexey Voinov, Mary Hill, Pierre Glynn, Gene Whelan, Gary Geller, Nigel Quinn, Michiel Blind, Scott Peckham, Sim Reaney, Noha Gaber, Robert Kennedy, Andrew Hughes - The role of expert opinion in environmental modelling and management Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 36, October 2012, Pages 4-18 Tobias Krueger, Trevor Page, Klaus Hubacek, Laurence Smith, Kevin Hiscock - Environmental decision support systems (EDSS) development – Challenges and best practices Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 26, Issue 12, December 2011, Pages 1389-1402 B.S. McIntosh, J.C. Ascough II, M. Twery, J. Chew, A. Elmahdi, D. Haase, J.J. Harou, D. Hepting, S. Cuddy, A.J. Jakeman, S. Chen, A. Kassahun, S. Lautenbach, K. Matthews, W. Merritt, N.W.T. Quinn, I. Rodriguez-Roda, S. Sieber, M. Stavenga, A. Sulis, et al. - A general framework for Dynamic Emulation Modelling in environmental problems Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 34, June 2012, Pages 5-18 A. Castelletti, S. Galelli, M. Ratto, R. Soncini-Sessa, P.C. Young - Neural networks for the prediction and forecasting of water resources variables: a review of modelling issues and applications Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 15, Issue 1, January 2000, Pages 101-124 Holger R. Maier, Graeme C. Dandy - Modelling with stakeholders Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 25, Issue 11, November 2010, Pages 1268-1281 Alexey Voinov, Francois Bousquet - Ten iterative steps in development and evaluation of environmental models Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 21, Issue 5, May 2006, Pages 602-614 A.J. Jakeman, R.A. Letcher, J.P. Norton - The Position Papers of EMS Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 21, Issue 5, May 2006, Page 601 Giorgio Guariso, Andrea Emilio Rizzoli

© 2019 - International Centre for Investigative Reporting TIMELINE: Nigeria records 1,300 percent increase of COVID-19 confirmed cases in one week THE pandemic Coronavirus is fast spreading in Nigeria more than expected—the spread is unprecedented — the country has recorded over 1,300 percent increase of confirmed cases of the disease in just one week. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria was just three as of March 17, but the figure has increased to 40 as 37 cases were confirmed last week. A timeline of the COVID-19 in Nigeria shows that Nigeria recorded its first case of the pandemic on February 27 after a 44-year old Italian businessman tested positive for the virus. He was later discharged on March 20 after receiving treatment at an isolation centre in Lagos and had tested negative to the virus. The second confirmed case was recorded on March 8. A contact of the Italian who tested positive in Ogun State, but has since been discharged after testing negative for the virus. On March 17, the Federal Government announced the third case. The case was a Nigerian who returned to Lagos from the United Kingdom and developed symptoms during her 14-day self-isolation. However, 24 hours after, the number of confirmed cases rose to eight after five new cases were reported on March 18. A day after, another four new cases were confirmed and brought the total to 12 confirmed cases in the country. The first highest number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 was reported on Mach 21. The Federal Government announced 10 new cases. Seven in Lagos and three in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A day after, the Federal Government announced another eight new confirmed cases, with three in Lagos, two in the FCT, one in Ogun, Ekiti, and Oyo states, bringing the total to 30 confirmed cases as of March 22. On Monday, March 23, the country recorded its second-highest of confirmed cases in a day. A total of 10 new cases and one death were recorded. Six in Lagos, three in the FCT, and one in Edo. As of 11:00 pm, March 23, there were 40 confirmed cases, two discharged and one death. At the time of writing this report, two new cases were reported. One in Lagos and one in Ogun State. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 42, two recoveries and one death as at 01:00 pm, March 24. So far in March, Nigeria has recorded more than 40 cases. To curtail further spread of the virus, the Federal Government through its Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has made several recommendations such as banning international flights from high-risk countries, shutting down all airports to international flights, and closure of all land borders. The Task Force also recommended through a directive to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation that all federal workers below grade level 12 should stay back and work from home. Several states of the federation have given several directives also to curtail the spread of the virus. Most state governments have shut down schools, banned gatherings of more than 50 persons. They also emphasised on the practice of social distancing. On the regional level, As of March 17, the African continent had just recorded 228 confirmed cases with only four deaths. A week after, according to the daily situation report of the World Health report on COVID-19 of March 23, confirmed cases in African stand at 990 and 23 deaths representing an increase of more than 300 percent.

It makes optimizing things easier, more corners means more places to slap down hint brushes. A map in a straight line won't have as many things... ctf_sleighride Pros: :O Dat control tower. Also, I like the "santa's runway" theme, it's creative and fits into TF2 perfectly. Cons:... Nine - Winter Signs Psy - Snow with collisions Rexy - Winter health packs Void - Christmas calendars $basetexturetransform "center .5 .5 scale 0.1 0.1 rotate 0 translate 0 0" //Decreases the scale of texture 1 to 0.1 Copy that line into your VMT... I would like to see a 1-stage A/D contest. Maybe a contest for any A/D mode (CP or PL) the only requirements are that the map is only one stage... OK, finally done with this. Will release up to date screenshots tomorrow cuz it's really late. Preview: Here's the one i linked in the upload thread Thread (pictures out of date, will fix tomorrow):... Basically, an areaportal must seal off an area similar to the way your map is sealed off from the void. What this means is that if you can go... Finishing up the area around point B. Should have better pictures of this and the red base sometime tomorrow. Oh yea, and i'm... I compiled a test map to with your soundscape file, and it worked for me. Make sure your file is saved in your tf\scripts directory as... After being out of town for two weeks, i made some major progress over the last three days. Oh, and ice. I think this is what you're looking for K. I'm out of town at the moment but I will on Saturday when I get back lol i just made a request thread yesterday. but this is really the main thing from it i would like (i understand you have a lot of requests so if... woah that looks pretty sweet. But did you mean you made it for your map for this contest? Cuz I'd feel kinda bad about taking using your model... Separate names with a comma.

First Divorce Questions If you are going through a divorce, you may be feeling very confused. Our New Jersey attorney answers your first divorce questions. Here is what you need to know. First Divorce Questions | How Long Will This Take? So, you’ve decided that you want your marriage to be over. The next question is usually, “When will this divorce process be over?” You and your spouse have the most control over this timeline. The quicker you exchange financial information, discuss the situation with any children, and come to an agreement with your spouse, the quicker the process will be over. Rare cases can settle in a day; many cases are resolved within three months; and some cases, with battling spouses in entrenched positions, go to trial, and could last up to two or three years. While you will want to get through your divorce as quickly as possible – and a family law attorney can help you to do that – you can’t lose sight of what’s best for you and your children. Consulting an attorney can help you come to understand what you feel is worth fighting for and what might be open to compromise. First Divorce Questions | How Much Will This Cost? Though there are filing fees, most of the cost of the divorce process comes from your attorney’s hourly rate. It’s not easy to predict the ultimate cost of a divorce from the outset – that will depend on how much time is spent negotiating and litigating, and that, in turn, depends on how quickly you and your spouse can come to an agreement. You can help to keep costs down by minimizing contact with your attorney, as emails, texts, and phone calls can all count toward “billable hours.” If you’re concerned about keeping costs down, come up with a plan and stick to it; be efficient in communication; and be ready to compromise. If you have first divorce questions, please call our New Jersey divorce attorney Tanya Freeman today for a free consultation.

In press. ‘Agrarian Question Revisited: Smallholders and Corporate Food in Egypt’, special issue ‘Food Security and the Contested Visions of Agrarian Change in Africa’ in Canadian Journal of Development Studies. Free access online: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/4EY5KIVXTIZTC6G8KXQI/full?target=10.1080/02255189.2019.1697652 In the decades prior to the 2011 popular uprising in Egypt, a corporate agri-food system grew through the incorporation into supply chains of peasants and smallholders – rather than through their elimination. From this position of integration, smallholders have allied themselves politically with various urban groups to make claims vis-à-vis the very agrarian reform institutions (and related ones) of political modernity that have weakened in Egypt under neoliberalism. In describing the relationship between smallholders and capital accumulation in agriculture and food, this article illuminates the agrarian question of the twenty-first century. - ‘Chemical fertilizer in transformations in world agriculture and the state system, 1870 to the interwar period’. Journal of Agrarian Change 18(4): 768-786. https://doi.org/10.1111/joac.12259 Also (PDF): Dixon-2018-Journal_of_Agrarian_Change In this first publication drawn from my early career research project on the socio-ecological history of chemical fertilizer, I trace the early history of superphosphate fertilizer — a fertilizer manufactured from mined phosphate rock. I demonstrate that superphosphates were the most important fertilizer in the class of chemical fertilizers that emerged after 1870 and played a role in the commercialization of agriculture in the imperial states. In the first food regime, commercial agriculture began to fuel the urban-industrial complexes of imperial states through the production of wage foods. However, chemical fertilizer was not just for the soil. It provided a base for the growth of chemical industries — a growth constitutive of industrial transformations in imperial states — the second industrial revolution. Mass production units became integrated through a handful of chemicals. One of these chemicals is sulphuric acid, of which superphosphates require large amounts in their manufacture. As the main market for sulphuric acid through the interwar period, chemical fertilizer created synergies with other industries and thus made sulphuric acid cheaper. In my article these processes of chemification demonstrate how the first food regime and the second industrial revolution were co-produced. In world-ecological terms, processes of chemification created multiplier effects of appropriation: one form of unpaid work/energy being brought into capital circuits multiplying other forms being brought in. Chemical fertilizer increased agricultural productivity and made food cheaper, and created synergies with other industries and thus made sulphuric acid (and industrial processes) cheaper. Thus, the early history of chemical fertilizer offers a perspective on how these new, multiple avenues for appropriation provided a basis for imperial states’ industrial strength – and help explain the unprecedented scope, scale, and speed of capital accumulation on a worldwide scale that began circa 1870. Dixon, M. 2017. ‘Plastics and Agriculture in the Desert Frontier’. Special Issue: Politics of Food. Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East 37(1): 86-102. Literature on the global agri-food system largely overlooks the role of reclamation of arid and semi-arid lands in the industrialization of horticulture (fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals) worldwide in the neoliberal period. Why has the development and expansion of industrial horticulture synchronized with “greening the desert” policies and narratives? In this article I address this question with the concept of desert frontier, which is developed through a case study of industrial horticulture production in Egypt’s arid regions and through an analysis of the relations between nature and society. The desert frontier in Egypt demonstrates that the socioecological relations that constitute industrial horticulture have necessitated transformations in farm organization and on-farm practice toward an increasingly coercive and capital-intensive set of agritechnologies and protocols to manage the volatility of industrial agriculture (from monocultures, perpetual genetic erosion, cropping intensification, and so on). The movement of agroexport farms into arid regions has been part of these processes of biosecuratization. This analysis of the socioecological conditions of expanded commodity production with the global food system or corporate food regime problematizes reemerging “greening the desert” narratives that parade the latest greening technical feats as a solution to securing food production in a warming planet. This article is part of a special issue on ‘Politics of Food’, edited by Timothy Mitchell and Anupama Rao (Duke University Press). 2015. ‘Biosecurity and the Multiplication of Crises in the Egyptian Agri-food Industry’. Geoforum 61: 90-100. Policy makers, scientists, industry leaders, and theorists alike assume that there is a direct positive relationship between biosecurity measures — national and international protocols to contain the movement of pests and pathogens in production and trade — and protection from pests and pathogens (in production sites, in food, etc.). In this article, I demonstrate that this premise of biosecurity is false. There is not a direct positive relationship between biosecurity and protection across time and space. I demonstrate this thesis by combining the global history, life, and movement of the Avian flu virus with the ecology of both the production environment and industrial poultry’s value chain (from industrial production to open markets). I follow the movement of the Avian flu throughout the 20th century and across the world — to Egypt in 2006 when the flu first entered the country. In doing so, I demonstrate that industrial poultry in Egypt and beyond was the vector of the flu virus even though small-scale poultry was most affected by the flu’s endemic spread. Over time and across space there has been a reinforcing tension between the multiplication of crises in agricultural production (not just the growth of the types of pests/pathogens, but their growing virulence) and a biosecurity regime that has become increasingly strict, creating ever greater controls over the inside of the production environment, even at the molecular level. - ‘The land grab, finance capital, and food regime restructuring: the case of Egypt’. Review of African Political Economy 41(140): 232-248. The role of Egyptian finance capital in acquiring (and attempting to acquire) agricultural land in southern neighbouring countries since the 2007/08 food-fuel-financial represents in part the southward expansion of the frontier in Egypt, or new socio-ecological spaces for heightened capital accumulation. This expansion, heralded by processes of financialization, is the latest wave of corporate consolidation of the country’s agri-food system. This paper offers an historical analysis of frontier making in modern-day Egypt and how it has been shaped by relations between Egypt and Sudan within a restructuring hegemonic state system, from the 19th century to present-day revolutionary times. Then, a case study of one Egyptian financial firm, Citadel Capital, is detailed to demonstrate that the ‘global land grab’ reflects food regime restructuring with the end of cheap food and oil – and greater food insecurity and political instability in Egypt and in southern neighbouring countries. 2011. ‘An Arab Spring’. Review of African Political Economy 38(128): 309-316. Cited as the second most read article in the Review of African Political Economy (by Taylor & Francis Online). 2018. ‘Arab Spring.’ In Oxford Bibliographies in African Studies, edited by P. Zeleza. New York: Oxford University Press.

‘It’s like a film set’ - Take a look inside Bill’s Norwich after huge refurbishment PUBLISHED: 11:51 09 November 2018 | UPDATED: 16:35 09 November 2018 Bill’s restaurant in the city has relaunched with a new menu and look after undergoing a week-long refurbishment. Bill’s, located at the Back of the Inns, reopened on Monday, November 5 as owner Bill Collison aims to make it as popular in the evenings as it is for breakfast and brunch. The new look Norwich restaurant has used vibrant colours, cosy booths and quirky touches purchased by Bill himself, including finds from antique shops and art from around his home. Mr Collison picked Norwich as one of his ten restaurants for refurbishment as he loves the city and his son Alfie studies Sports Science at UEA too. He first opened a greengrocers in Lewes in East Sussex in 2000 which expanded into the two neighbouring units and became Bill’s following floods in the town. Despite there now being 83 Bill’s across the UK and 21 in London, Mr Collison still thinks of Bill’s as an independent restaurant. “If I had to sum up Norwich it would be a cross between Lewes and Brighton together - it has a bit of a seaside feel to it but also market town feel too and both those places are very dear to me. READ MORE: Owner of Cafe Britannia set to takeover Norwich pub “I am a family restaurant and still there thinking of Bill’s is an independent - I change things daily and my team will tell you I’m a nightmare as I get all the emotions an independent restaurant owner would get.” The restaurant is already a popular spot for breakfast and brunch, but Mr Collison hopes the new look will help increase evening trade, Whilst the owners of restaurants such as Carluccio’s and Prezzo have recently closed branches, he has instead decided to invest. “We’ve been here for a while now and have an amazing team of people who are very kind and passionate about what they do. “There has been a headwind in the restaurant industry and it has been difficult for everyone to forge ahead so what normally happens is people go backwards and cut costs. READ MORE: Caribbean takeaway Coral Bay set to open second stall in Norwich “I think we all forgot what restaurants were about the industry tried to make it easier for themselves and we were guilty of that too. “That was alright when the wind was in your sales and everyone was happy to spend but now what really matters is guest experience. “Me and my business partner thought this is the time to become stronger instead of make cuts. “We have an amazing space upstairs here but it was more like my kitchen and very daytime and we knew we had a gap in the market as we have a lovely dinner menu. “It’s like a film set and we’ve added in little touches to make everything better.” If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Norwich Evening News. Click the link in the orange box below for details.

There are few things as crazy as catfish stories. Whether a catfish has been caught red-handed, unmasked gradually, or just suspected, the experience of being ‘catfished’ is typically a roller coaster of emotion for the person tricked. Ordinary lives are turned into stories that resemble the plots of soap operas. Catfish can come in all shapes, sizes, and from locations around the planet. Sometimes people are catfished by someone who lives in the same city, but often a catfish live elsewhere, even in another country. While catfish are usually strangers, the victim doesn’t know. Personally, that is not always the case. There have been many instances when a catfish tricks another to think that they are communicating with a sexy, charismatic stranger, only to later find out they were set up by someone they know in real life. To add to the zany fun, play our new game to test your sleuth skills and determine FACT from FICTION. The three following stories are 2 Truths and 1 Lie. The answer to which catfish story is not true will be revealed at the end, so don’t scroll ahead until you’ve guessed! CATFISH STORY #1 The ideal aunt is someone who is always there for their niece when they need them. Such was the case with Marissa Williams’ aunt, who even invited the teen to come and live with her. Williams had only been staying with her aunt for a few months when it was discovered that the 19-year-old was regularly befriending men on social media sites and inviting them over to the home. Worried about the safety of her home and, especially, the fate of young Marissa, the aunt instructed Williams to immediately stop inviting strangers over and going to parties with them. In response, she was blocked on the girl’s social media accounts. To get a better glimpse into what the girl was doing and help her learn some well-needed lessons, the savvy aunt created a fictional profile for a handsome guy named Tre “Topdog” Ellis. Within their first day of communicating, Williams had already invited the made up man over to her home to get drunk and have sex, if he would pay her $50 cell phone bill. The aunt found that concerning, but had no idea she would soon discover the teen had a sinister plot to have Tre murder her! At first, Marissa only complained that the aunt was overbearing, but within days asked him to come to the home and murder not only the aunt, but the aunt’s fiance, Williams’ cousin, and the family dog. Disturbingly, Williams gave the fictional Tre information on how to get into the aunt’s room and what order to do the murders. She said she would pack up the car so they could leave together, as soon as he was done committing the crimes. Horrified, the aunt immediately reported the information to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, who interviewed Williams. The girl admits to her actions online, though she insisted she hadn’t met it all seriously. Police didn’t agree, taking her to jail and booking her on solicitation of murder charges. CATFISH STORY #2 Sarah Peterson was only 18 years old and in her first year of college when she found out that her father’s best friend of 20 years had been posing as her boyfriend for a year and a half. After initially meeting through Instagram when she was only 16, Peterson was instantly interested in Kirk Brown, as they had so much in common. They soon began messaging regularly through the app Kik. A high school runner, Sarah found the fact that Kirk was a college athlete on a scholarship very appealing. He had come from a life of hard knocks but was the specimen of maturity, good health, and showed compassion for everything she would go through. He told her to keep away from other boys and wanted to date her. Both sporty, they would encourage one another and communicate via messaging all day long. The reality that they lived in different states did not matter, as they decided they would keep their connection strong throughout college and then travel the world together. Even though they were both too busy with college and sports to meet in person, Kirk would send her care packages. They would also talk on the phone, though never web cam. She thought his deep voice was funny considering his boyish good looks. It wasn’t until a suspicious friend commented that the packages seemed to be shipped from somewhere closer than another state, that Sarah began to worry. Though she trusted Kirk implicitly, she asked her family for help. Worried about their daughter, they agreed to hire a private investigator as Sarah was a minor when she first began communicating with Kirk. Not only that, but it turned out Sarah had even sent him nude photos. Nothing prepared her family for the reality that her father’s best friend Brad Waters had preyed on the teen, by setting up the entire charade and using a voice changer when they talked on the phone. Due to the exchange of nude photos when Sarah was only 16, investigators arrested him. Upon searching his home computer, they found which illegal images of teens from age 14 to 16. Smith was jailed and is now on a sexual predator registry for life. CATFISH STORY #3 What if your favorite person to follow on Instagram was an imposter? Such was the case for those who were following Leah Palmer. A fan favorite, the glamorous social media profile photos for Leah had been swiped from Ruth Graves (birth name, Ruth Palmer). The imposter didn’t only take a few photos to perpetuate their catfish lie – in total, they swiped upward of 900 pictures over three years, even engaging in online relationships which left their additional victims with broken hearts. To her followers, Leah Palmer seemed to have it all- a successful relationship in the fashion industry, exciting travels, and high fashion-forward friends. The catfish didn’t stop there; they even made up fictitious storylines about other people Ruth had posted about, casting Ruth’s real-life ex as “psychotic.” Multiple men thought they were in relationships with the attractive Leah and were heartbroken when Ruth discovered her images were being taken and contacted them. Ruth’s real-life Catfish remains at large, but the fake profile seems to have been taken down (though it did re-appear for a while). The scariest part? Ruth’s profiles were private most of the time she had them. Would someone in her real life do such a shocking charade? In the world of Catfish, anything is possible. CATFISH STORY #4: It’s tragic when anyone dies before they reach the ripe old age and the football defenseman from Notre Dame, Manti Teo, was devastated. Though he had college success in his chosen sport and even appeared on a Sport’s Illustrated cover, in 2012, his gorgeous online girlfriend passed away of Leukemia. He posted online about his grief for the passing of Lennay Kekua, whom he had cared for deeply. It took a reporter from Deadspin looking into the tragedy a few months later, to uncover the truth. Lennay had never existed and indeed hadn’t died. The reality was that a man, Ronaiah Tuiasosopo – who Manti knew in real life – had assumed the identity of a woman, to perpetuate his crush on Manti. Though Ronaiah reached out to Manti and eventually apologized for the hoax after he was caught, it’s safe to assume the two are not the best of friends now. Ronaiah even appeared on Dr. Phil to explain his actions where he claimed much of his lying stemmed from his struggle to accept his sexual attraction to men. AND THE “LIE” WAS … Catfish Story #2! Did you guess correctly? Post on social media and see how your friends do at our guessing game! Who knows, they might even find out they are being catfished!

The games are coming thick and fast in the SSE Airtricity League with two rounds played over the Easter Bank Holiday in the Premier Division. The most eye-catching fixture was last night as Shamrock Rovers welcomed Bohemian FC to the Tallaght Stadium for the Dublin derby. It did not go well for the home side who lost 1-0 and finished the game with nine men as Bohs beat them for the second time this season. Dinny Corcoran scored the game’s only goal with Trevor Clarke and Lee Grace both being sent off in the first half. Ahead of the Dublin Derby Shams had picked up a valuable three points in the Brandywell as a goal from Aaron Greene gave them a 1-0 win against Derry City. It was a good few days for Dundalk who picked up six points, they beat Finn Harps 3-0 in Oriel Park and followed that up with a 3-1 win away to UCD in the Belfield Bowl. That made it two defeats out of two for the Students as they had been beaten 3-0 by Bohs in Dalymount Park on Good Friday. For Finn Harps their struggles continue following on from their promotion, they are the only side yet to win a game this season and were also beaten 2-0 by St. Patrick’s Athletic in Finn Park on Easter Monday. They have only two points after their opening eleven games. St. Pat’s enjoyed a bountiful Easter and made it a North West derby double as on Good Friday they beat Harps’ neighbours Sligo Rovers 2-1 in Richmond Park. Chris Forrester got the first goal for St. Pat’s in that game and it was the pick of the bunch over the weekend, well worth seeking out. Rovers didn’t end the weekend empty handed though as they picked up a point thanks to their goalless draw away to Cork City in Turner’s Cross. Cork are really struggling and are fourth from bottom. They had been beaten 2-0 by Waterford in the Munster Derby heading into the game against Rovers. Waterford enjoyed a decent Easter as well as they beat Cork and drew 2-2 with Derry City in their other game. A strong way from them to bounce back following the disappointing news the club received when they were told that they won’t be able to be awarded a licence by UEFA to compete in the Europa League qualifiers this season. The issue relates to their previous incarnation as Waterford United; it’s a bitter blow for the club who finished third last season. Their place will now be taken by St. Patrick’s Athletic. There was only one round of games in the First Division. Longford Town remain unbeaten but were held to a goalless draw by Cobh Ramblers in St. Colman’s Park. Shelbourne beat Limerick 2-0 in Tolka Park and Cabinteely won by the same score away to Wexford FC. Bray Wanderers were 3-1 winners against Drogheda United in the Carlisle Grounds. Galway United put their recent form behind them by beating Athlone Town 4-0 in the Athlone Town Stadium.

February 5, 2017 by Robert Franklin, Esq, Member, National Board of Directors, National Parents Organization This online publication “The Conversation” self-describes as “academic rigor, journalistic flair.” But if this article is an example of “academic rigor,” then “academic rigor” isn’t what it used to be (The Conversation, 2/2/17). In fact, the article, while providing the occasional worthwhile tidbit of information generally traffics in untruths, half-truths, unasked questions and misused statistics. Given what I understand to be the norm in academia these days, I’d say “academic rigor” is about right. Author Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan’s theme is a familiar one – despite aspirations to parenting equality, fathers just don’t do enough, and what they do, they do poorly or half-way. To her, mothers are the gold-standard of parenting. And that of course undermines her thesis that fathers need to do more. After all, if dads are, generally speaking, less good parents than mothers, why would mothers give up the parenting role and why would fathers want them to? Needless to say, Schoppe-Sullivan never addresses that core contradiction of her piece. I guess that’s an example of that academic rigor by which we’re supposed to be impressed. My research focuses on the sharing of parenting between mothers and fathers in dual-earner couples – a group that is most likely to hold gender egalitarian beliefs. In this group, successfully balancing work and family makes some degree of shared parenting necessary. My research and that of others shows that even though significant progress has been made toward gender equality in parenting, more subtle inequalities remain. Many fathers – even those in the households most likely to have progressive views on parenting – have not achieved equality with mothers in key areas. Schoppe-Sullivan goes on to describe the many ways in which mothers spend more time parenting children and just plain parent better. It is true that today’s fathers are more involved in parenting children than ever before. Over the past half-century, fathers in America nearly tripled their child care time from 2.5 hours per week in 1965 to seven hours per week in 2011. But, over this period, women’s parenting time too has increased – from 10 hours per week in 1965 to 14 hours per week in 2011. This has resulted in a smaller but persistent gap in the time mothers and fathers spend on parenting… Another area in which subtle, persistent inequality exists is multitasking – especially doing several unpaid work activities (e.g., housework and child care) at the same time. Mothers multitask more than fathers do. A recent study showed the size of this difference: mothers in dual-earner families spent 10 more hours per week multitasking than did fathers… Intensive parenting requires strong dedication to managing children’s activities, organizing schedules and making appointments – part of the so-called “worry work” of parenting… Research that has surveyed or interviewed parents about who takes responsibility for the managerial and organizational aspects of parenting indicates that mothers take greater responsibility than fathers. If that all sounds a bit like “mommy – good; daddy – bad,” that’s pretty much Schoppe-Sullivan’s attitude. Oh, she’s scrupulously balanced in tone, but her content is anything but. That imbalance isn’t because there aren’t countervailing facts she could have mentioned, facts that are well-established by much research and many reliable sets of data. So yes, she’s right that both mothers and fathers are spending more time parenting than the parents of, say, 50 years ago. But when it comes to multi-tasking, what does Schoppe-Sullivan have to say about the research demonstrating that a fair description of that behavior is “doing many things at once, all of them poorly?” If Moms’ approach to parenting includes a lot of multi-tasking, that research strongly encourages the conclusion that, in addition to their other tasks, they’re not doing parenting very well. Schoppe-Sullivan’s not interested. What about that “worry work” mothers supposedly do that fathers supposedly don’t? Has Schoppe-Sullivan ever heard of the concept of maternal gatekeeping? If so, she doesn’t let on. There are many reasons dads tend to step back from parenting and mothers are Reason 1. What countless fathers report is that if they try to take on additional parenting duties, they’re often thwarted, criticized or simply overruled by their child’s mother. So is it really unusual that mothers do the “worry work?” Indeed, would mothers have it any other way? There’s surely no better way to control the child’s activities and the father’s ability to impact them than to take them over oneself. In that same vein, has Schoppe-Sullivan read the relatively new research on Oxytocin and paternal involvement with children? I guess not, since, once again, she doesn’t mention it. One crucial finding is that father’s brains are wired for a secondary parental role, that if Mom can’t or won’t do the job, Dad comes fully equipped to step in, but if she takes on the role of primary parent, he won’t. That of course is precisely what much research and casual observations show. Mothers take the primary parenting role in the vast majority of families with fathers’ role being secondary. And when Mom is sick, or away on business, Dad steps up. Clearly, many couples do parenting differently, but that’s the norm. Indeed, with her reference to the recent New York Times article I wrote about here, Schoppe-Sullivan refers to exactly that set of behaviors. The Times piece described a suburb of Montclair, New Jersey on the day of the women’s march on Washington and what fathers did while their female partners were gone. As I said, the dads did what pretty much any other set of dads would do; they took care of the kids, doing all the things necessary to keep them clean, fed, safe and occupied. Doing with one parent what usually required two was a bit stressful, but it wasn’t anything the dads couldn’t handle. In short, what occurred precisely reflects what the Oxytocin study said would happen, not that Schoppe-Sullivan would notice. What she did notice, she made up. The article narrated how women’s absence resulted in empty yoga classes, Starbucks cafes populated by men and hapless fathers struggling to juggle children’s weekend schedules. “Hapless?” Far from it. The dads performed perfectly well and there wasn’t a word in the piece to suggest otherwise. Indeed, that was the very point of much of the criticism of the article – that it seemed to reward fathers for doing something fathers do routinely without fanfare. But, for Schoppe-Sullivan, the fathers had to be hapless. After all, that’s the point of her article – that fathers are deficient. It’s untrue of course as countless research into fathers and parenting demonstrates, but her intention was never accuracy or balance. More on this tomorrow. National Parents Organization is a Shared Parenting Organization National Parents Organization is a non-profit that educates the public, families, educators, and legislators about the importance of shared parenting and how it can reduce conflict in children, parents, and extended families. Along with Shared Parenting we advocate for fair Child Support and Alimony Legislation. Want to get involved? Here’s how: Together, we can drive home the family, child development, social and national benefits of shared parenting, and fair child support and alimony. Thank you for your activism. #fathers, #mothers, #work-lifebalance, #multi-tasking

Gay Rights Activists to Sue Mandalay Police for Alleged Abuse By Zarni Mann 16 July 2013 Burmese gay rights activists are preparing to file a lawsuit against Mandalay police officers who allegedly harassed them during their recent detention. “We are now discussing with the lawyers to submit the case next week. We have to do this because the police mistreated the detainees, which is beyond the limits of their responsibilities,” said Aung Myo Min, director of Equality Myanmar, a group that promotes human rights as well as gay and lesbian rights. He said the abusive handling of the detainees by police had become a “tradition” for law enforcement authorities across Burma. “If the court accepts the case, it will show that there are rules of law in the country. Many detainees, not only gays, are being abused by the police and these actions tarnish the image of the police. Such actions must stop,” Aung Myo Min added. On July 6, 12 homosexuals were arrested near Mandalay’s Sedona Hotel, a spot popular for its scenic views of the city’s ancient moat and Mandalay Hill. It is also an area where homosexuals and other transgender sex workers are known to gather. The detainees told The Irrawaddy last week that after the arrest, they were abused verbally and physically. Police officers allegedly beat the detainees and forced them to do frog jumps and act as though walking a catwalk, before being put into cells for about four hours. The criminal status of the detainees remains unclear, but all 12 were released on bail after they agreed to sign an agreement stating that they would not dress like women and would stay away from the area where they were arrested, according to one of the detainees. Police have denied any wrongdoing and maintain that the officers had handled their law enforcement obligations professionally. “We were just carrying out our duties. Since they are men, we must not let them go into men’s cells with wigs, bras, condoms and women’s attire. So we had to take them all off. We have much evidence to prove this, however, I have nothing to say about being accused of abusing them,” said Soe Nyein, a Mandalay Division police officer. According to the police, complaints about homosexuals causing disturbances in the area were raised by the public and prompted the police action. “There are many complaints that they are shouting and disturbing the public who come to the area to relax,” Soe Nyein said, adding that cross-dressing men were known to rob unsuspecting victims. “To prevent such things, we are just giving them a warning.”

Proposition. I am looking to establish a working relationship with some domainers that require regular site builds. (3+ per month) The deal would be this. I would build the first site (3 or 5 page minisite) to your exact specifications for FREE, when this site was completed you would then decide whether you were happy to continue the relationship and commit to 3+ paid builds per month, or not. This site would then become the template for your further sites Details. 1. If you decide to continue the relationship the first site (template) is FREE. If you decided not to continue you do not get to keep the FREE site. 2. Each new site would be built around the original FREE site/template,. 2. You must commit to 3 months (Min 9 sites - not including free site) If your Free site was a 5 page site, you will be commiting to 9x 5 page sites. 3. All content (other than 1 free stock image) is supplied by client. 4. Further sites would cost (3-5 sites per month) £45 for each 3 page site, £75 for each 5 page site. (6+ sites per month) £40 for each 3 page site, £70 for each 5 page site. 5. Further site would have a new logo, new colour scheme, new stock image and new content added. Layout would be the same for each site. 6. Sites?: Static HTML4 or HTML5, CSS pages. 1 free professional stock image. Cross browser compatable - IE7 and Above, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Opera. MAC and PC compatable. W3C Standards Complient. Validated HTML and CSS (Wherever possible). SEO optimised HTML (Keyword optimised, all proper SEO friendly tags used, friendly URL's, Lightweight pages. Google+ and facebook 'like' buttons added. Adsense code added. (client must supply code snippet) Affiliate ads or products added (client must supply code snippet, images..etc). I will add 1 JQuery effect if required. (This must be the same effect on every site using the template) 7. Contact form (form to email) page will cost £10 extra per site. why? because set up can be time consuming if user does not know how to configure. 8. When each site is finished and you are happy it will be zipped up and emailed to you. I want to take no more than 3 clients to begin with, because I want to be able to deliver as promised. If you agree to commit to the 3 months (9 sites) then a non refundable 20% deposit will be required (9x £45 = £405 / 20% = £81) (9x £75 = £675 / 20% = £135) If you would like to see any previous minisites I have built please PM me ( I will not post on here as I have not asked for clients permission) My home page is tekkie.co.uk (minisite examples not on this page) Any questions please email me at 'info at tekkie.co.uk' Any suggestions to make this deal better for you, please let me know. (Serious suggestions only please) Deal only open to members with positive rep and 100+ posts. Thanks for looking.

Getting a credit card when you’re a student could be the best – or worst – decision you make. Credit cards obviously come with a number of advantages, and can be especially handy if your cash flow is not always that steady. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, or you mistreat your credit, it could lead you into a whole world of trouble. And we’re not just talking about small debts your parents can bail you out of, we’re talking long term debt and black marks on your credit file. This is why it’s important to think about what you’re doing before you apply for a credit card, and why it’s absolutely essential you know what to do when you have one. The Application Process While looking for credit cards can seem tedious, it’s still a good idea to spend some time on it. Don’t just go for the first credit card you see, or one that’s offered to you by your bank. Check out what the rest of the market is doing, so you find the best deal for your situation. Use a comparison site to compare different cards from different card providers. Read the terms and conditions of each one, and look for any requirements such as minimum income. Don’t apply for a card you’re not eligible for, and don’t apply for more than one card at once. Best Credit Cards Canada Your Credit Score Your credit score is the first thing most card providers will look at when you make an application. It’s a good idea to check your credit file before you apply, and have any errors corrected. If you’ve not had any credit before, you may have a low credit score, in which case, your application may be denied, or you may have to pay more interest than other cardholders. It’s worth bearing in mind that getting a credit card when you’re young – and using it wisely – can be a great way to improve your credit score. Just make sure you always pay your bill on time, don’t let your payments default, and don’t go over your credit limit. Paying your Bill To save on interest, you should always pay off your bill at the end of the month. If you can’t do this, stop spending so much on your card! If you only pay the minimum repayment on your credit card, it’s likely you will only be paying off the interest – which could mean you stay in debt for years, if not decades. Making a Budget Making a budget will be good practice for later on in life. Budget for all incomings and outgoings, and think about what you spend before you spend it. While having a credit card can seem like you have free money – you don’t. You have to pay it all back, with interest. Getting out of Trouble While we all like to think we won’t get into trouble with our credit cards, we all make mistakes occasionally. If you do find yourself in trouble with your credit card, you must deal with it as soon as possible. There’s no point putting it off and hoping it will go away – it will keep following you, and it will grow. If you’re trying to pay off your debt but are having problems with interest, a balance transfer credit card could be a good option. A balance transfer card allows you to transfer balances from existing credit cards, and pay low or no interest on them for a certain period of time. If you go down this route, you have to remember a few things. Do everything you can to pay off your debt while the interest is low, and always know when the introductory period ends, and what happens when it does. DON’T start spending on your old card just because you freed up credit on it. Cancel it if you don’t need it, and only keep it if you know it won’t lead you into further debt problems. If you can’t deal with the problem on your own, seek advice from someone in the know. Ask your parents if they are good with money, or a debt adviser at school, or speak to a financial adviser for more information. (Image courtesy of phanlop88 / freedigitalphotos.net)

Indigenous Hondurans are resisting the construction of the Agua Zarca hydrodam. Their fight has cost several lives, including that of Berta Cáceres. After considerable public pressure, Dutch development bank FMO withdrew from the project. News / 16 December 2019 Earlier this month, the seven men found guilty of the murder of Berta Cáceres were sentenced to jail for periods between 30 and 50 years. The court confirmed its opinion that Berta Cáceres was murdered for her role in defending the rights of the indigenous Lenca communities. News / 1 December 2018 On Thursday, November 29, seven suspects of the murder of Berta Cáceres (in March 2016) were found guilty. Members of the indigenous human rights organisation COPINH, of which Cáceres was the leader, and close relatives of Cáceres herself see the ruling as the first step towards justice for her murder and the recognition that the company DESA is co-responsible for this. They also point out, however, that the process was permeated with corruption, intimidation and other abuses from the very beginning, and that the masterminds behind the murder are still walking around freely. News / 17 May 2018 Today, three representatives of the Honduran indigenous people's organisation COPINH, together with the family of environmental activist Berta Cáceres, who was murdered in March 2016, announced that they are preparing to press charges against the Dutch development bank FMO. COPINH accuses the FMO of complicity in human rights violations in connection with the controversial Agua Zarca hydroelectric project. News / 6 March 2018 On Friday, March 2, the director of DESA, David Castillo, was arrested in Honduras on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Berta Cáceres, exactly 2 years ago. The Honduran government refused for a long time to not only detect the actual murderers, but also the intellectual authors of the murder of Cáceres. News / 6 July 2017 Both ENDS and SOMO welcome the announcement done today by the Dutch and Finnish development banks, FMO and FinnFund, to exit the controversial Agua Zarca hydroelectric project in Honduras. Conflict about the project has led to violence in the region, including the murder of three leaders who opposed the project. In March 2016, renowned human rights defender Berta Caceres was murdered for opposing this project in indigenous Lenca territory. Blog / 10 February 2017 Last month I visited COPINH in Honduras. I stay in their house where I've been before. It has changed.The walls are decorated with colourful paintings, and there are altars for Berta Cáceres, their former leader who was murdered in March 2016. Instead of a simple fence, the building is now being protected by a thick wall with barbed wire. There are security camera's everywhere. News / 7 February 2017 Last week, Global Witness published 'Honduras: the deadliest place to defend the planet'. This shocking report clearly shows the worrying situation of human rights in Honduras and backs the demand of Both ENDS and partner COPINH: FMO must divest from the Agua Zarca dam. News / 20 October 2016 This week, Laura Zuniga Cáceres, daughter of Berta Cáceres*, visits the Netherlands. She will talk with the directors of the involved departments of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in a colloquium about indigenous right of Leiden University and meet with several Dutch NGO's. Both ENDS asked this brave young woman about the situation in Honduras and her motivation to continue her mother's work.

Bed & Breakfasts are a wonderful way to get a more personal experience from a local’s perspective when traveling. The Lake Erie Shores & Islands have so much to offer that Bed & Breakfasts are a great way to help tourists get more out of their stay. This has caused them to become a great part of our region to enhance the experience of our busy summer season for our visitors. Perhaps you are a Bed & Breakfast owner or are considering opening your home to this unique business opportunity. Well, before you have too much fun with your customers, let’s discuss some of the insurance coverages you need and why. Perhaps the most important coverage you can get is liability coverage. This can come in a few different forms: Personal Liability – extended from a Homeowners Policy, Businessowners Liability or General Liability. For the intents of this blog, we will break these down into Personal Liability Policies (Homeowners) and Commercial Liability Policies (Businessowners and General Liability). Personal Liability is acceptable for a Bed & Breakfast but can be hard to get. Most insurance carriers will limit the amount of rooms you can have for rent and require the owner to live at the residence full-time. These two requirements cut out many of our local Bed & Breakfasts. The most important aspect of this type of liability is to make sure you have an Incidental Business Endorsement as the base Personal Liability Policy excludes any business operation. Another important aspect is to make sure you have high enough liability limits. Many Homeowners policies have $300,000 in liability coverage which might be fine for your home but not when you are running a business out of your home. You should definitely consider $500,000 or $1,000,000 limits. Writing a Bed & Breakfast on a Homeowners Policy can also leave some coverage gaps such as Business Income Coverage, Coverage for Property of Others in your Care, etc. Commercial General Liability may be more expensive but you are also getting broader coverage that is specifically designed for businesses. It also comes along with Commercial Property Coverage which is also more desirable than Homeowners Dwelling and Personal Property coverage when running a business. Make sure you do not have any exclusions that will apply to activities or amenities you may offer. You don’t want to have an exclusion for foodborne illness as a Bed & Breakfast! Many General Liability or Businessowners policies may come with “Designated Premises” exclusion which excludes any claims for activities that occur off premises. This is not a big deal if you don’t offer any amenities or any services off of your property but some Bed & Breakfasts do so be aware of this exclusion. However, Commercial General Liability coverage and Businessowners Liability coverage only provide coverage for the business and not coverage for you personally. This means that any claim that happens due to the Bed & Breakfast operation will be covered. However, if you are sued personally for something you said or did unrelated to the business, there will be no coverage. An example of this would be that you are helping a friend move and drop an air conditioner out of a window and it lands on someone below. This is not related to running a Bed & Breakfast and isn’t related to an automobile so it would only be covered by Personal Liability coverage like you find in a Homeowners, Renters or Condominium Owners policy. Personal Property coverage is going to be the same as your Homeowners insurance since all you will be doing is adding an endorsement to cover business liability and property, the Incidental Business endorsement. This is just fine for covering your building and personal effects that are in the building including yours. However, this does not include a number of coverages that Commercial Property coverage can provide you. Commercial Property coverage will allow you to purchase a number of helpful endorsements or may have them included such as Business Income Coverage or Personal Effects and Property of Others. Business Income Coverage will pay for any loss of income that is caused by a direct loss to your building or property. Let’s say you have a tree land on the home and it crushes the building damaging the inside and outside. If your building needs 2 months to be repaired back to pre-loss condition, then you will not be collecting revenue during that period. This could result in a substantial loss of income especially if it is during the busy season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Personal Effects and Property of Others covers, basically, just what is says: personal items and property that belongs to others, including customers and employees, that is in your care, custody or control. If you have customers’ items in their rooms and there is a fire that destroys all of their items, you can turn here to try to help them out with their personal loss. Another important risk management item to consider is a proper rental agreement for your customers. You need to make sure you include the correct Hold Harmless language and spell out the responsibilities or do’s and don’ts for your customers. These can be immensely helpful if you enter into a legal dispute with one of your customers. Make sure the family member(s) that sign this agreement are at least 18 years old as that is the age to enter into a formal contract. You should consult a qualified attorney to draft the proper documents and seek advice on how to best implement your rental agreement. There are a number of additional coverages that are helpful for Bed & Breakfasts as well as other small businesses. If you want to hear more or need insurance for your business, contact The Frederick Agency at 419-732-3171 today. We are here to help! By: Brennan Madison

JANUARY 15, 2019 My L.A. in Four Locations is a running feature in which Angelenos share the story of their city through four specific places. This week, Robert Matt Taylor takes us on a tour of the Sun Valley’s junkyards. At the U-Pull yard (or junkyard or wrecking yard or recycler or dismantler), self-guidance is the definitive condition: you pay a small fee at entry, tote your own tools, and you provide the labor to extract what parts you need, in exchange for deep discounts. The junkyard is, of course, where cars go to die, but it’s much more than that — it is a place where some of the least-visible Angelenos go to salvage something usable out of refuse, a stronghold of conservation and self-reliance. It’s a classroom for the mechanically-inclined, a natural film set, and a repository of dreams for greasy teenagers (and adults) with shoestring budgets and visions of automotive glory. It is also, very often, the only means by which those obsolete but beautiful artifacts of the high automotive age — by which I mean old cars — can find a way to survive.It is connected, in almost too many ways to mention, to the diverse strands of subculture that form the fabric of our city’s identity. Of the two major hubs of junkyard activity in the city — Wilmington, near the Port of Los Angeles, and Sun Valley to the north — I prefer the northern. To me, the junkyards of Sun Valley offer a picture of what Los Angeles really is, in its estimable dirt and bounty. 11201 Pendleton Street, Sun Valley, 91352 — LKQ Pick-Your-Part — El Pulpo, as it’s known to its mostly Spanish- or Spanglish-speaking regulars, a reference to the rare six-armed octopus of its logo — is actually one of a nationwide chain of auto recyclers, but you would be hard-pressed to find a wrecker that seems more distinctly Angeleno. In this corner of L.A., you’ll only ever hear it referred to as thejunkyard, largely because El Pulpo has for years been grabbing up the smaller and older yards in the area with every spare tentacle. They’re just about the only game in town these days, as self-serve goes, and they know it. Visit during one of their quarterly 40-percent-off sales to witness a veritable Mardi Gras of grease. 11590 Tuxford Street, Sun Valley, 91352 — Opened in 1961, Aadlen Bros. U-Pick Parts was the classical representation of an L.A. wrecking yard, from whence sprang countless thousands of the grass-roots hot rods and lowriders that came to define L.A.’s automotive style to the world. The yard made its first film appearance in the 1967 adaptation of In Cold Blood, and quickly became a favorite shooting location and incidental museum for cast-off props of all shapes and sizes over the ensuing four decades. The most famous of these artifacts, Bruce — one of the original mechanical sharks used in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws — once perched atop a pole near the entrance, frozen in mid-bite. In 2015, plummeting scrap metal prices forced closure. A tire business still operates under the Aadlen Bros. name at the eastern corner of the lot, but the facility is mostly rented for storage now, and scarcely a shadow of its colorful former self. 11311 Pendleton Street, Sun Valley, 91352 — Just up the block from Pick-Your-Part — so close, in fact, that LKQ annexed its parking lot when it moved south to Wilmington, before going out of business altogether in 2006 – was Memory Lane, a pre-1975-only collector car yard. A time-warp in more ways than one, stories abound in local lore of the owner’s irascibility and shady dealings. Most are apocryphal, but one piece of hearsay is certainly true: when the business finally went under, it crushed, with an almost vindictive speed, untold thousands of vintage cars and parts. Today, the old entrance is walled off, and the lot has been absorbed by a cardboard recycling facility. 11087 Tuxford Street, Sun Valley, 91352 — Two blocks to the southeast of the old Memory Lane location sits Master Auto Parts, one of the last remaining independent auto parts stores in the city. Opened in 1968, MAP has become something of a museum of local junkyard history. The artifacts here aren’t physical; business has slowed to the point that MAP has had to pivot to embrace the slicker, more well-monied market of classic car restorers and Hollywood productions, but it remains a vital trading post for the kind of cultural knowledge that is so easily lost in this city, in this time. Photographs by Kenton Harris. Robert Matt Taylor is a writer, editor, and part-time mechanic living on the outskirts of Los Angeles. His work has appeared in Narrative Magazine, Sugar House Review, Main Street Rag, and other journals. A recent fellow in Fiction Writing at Chapman University, he is at present a candidate in the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers.

Why Choose this Course? If you are intending to pursue certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP®) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) then this course is for you. This is a MUST DO for all Project Managers or those who want to get involved in the profession of project management. The course is designed to review and emphasize the project processes and knowledge areas, terms, tools, and formulas required for taking and passing the PMP or CAPM certification examination. The entire course content is compliant with the “Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 5th edition, (PMBOK®) from the Project Management Institute (PMI®). This course will feature: - Complete review and study of the 5 process areas, 10 knowledge areas and the 47 process steps, including the inputs, tools and techniques and outputs of each - Review and hands on practice with sample test questions, problems and practical exercises supporting project scheduling, earned value management and expected monetary value - Review and use of 20 different project management mathematical formulas for estimating, critical path analysis, earned value management, expected monetary value and probability and impact - Extensive PMP and CAPM practice exams, reviews, and analysis of questions - Overview of the PMP® application process, the testing process and insights for completing certification What are the Goals? - Understand terms, acronyms, and formulas specific to the PMBOK - Learn the processes and knowledge areas specific to the PMBOK - Recognize inputs, tools and techniques and outputs for 47 separate process steps - Comprehend test taking strategies with technical, process and situational questions for the PMP Exam - Understand PMI’s specific methods and expectations for managing projects (“PMI’isms”) By the end of this course, participants will be able to: - To apply, take, and pass the PMP or CAPM certification exam - Describe industry standard project management practices and processes - Describe the project tools and procedures that can be implemented to improve or establish formal project management methodologies Who is the Course for? The course is intended for project professionals in any business work areas who have been working as project managers or key members of project teams for at least 3 years. The course will provide the following benefits to these participants: - Comprehensive understanding of the PMP certification requirements and test materials. - Comprehensive review of the various processes, knowledge areas, formulas, terms and individual process steps for project management. - Identify advanced set of project management tools and techniques for continued use or new implementation at the workplace. - Preparation for PMP certification resulting in greater project management confidence and credibility. This program is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit: - Professionals who have been directly involved in initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing of any kind of projects - Professionals who are working as project managers, project coordinators or key project or program team members - Those who want to get a recognized Project Management certification and who recognize project management as a core part of their professional experience How will this be presented? This course will utilize a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of information presented. This includes case study analysis, lecture-based presentation, video and audio inserts, simulated exams and exam practice. Courses are presented in a classroom environment, online, or hybrid format with Project Management immersion to ensure that student pass rates for PMP exam surpass expectations. Course materials include PMBOK 6th Edition, Case Studies, take home practice exams, pre and post-test, Guide to Passing the PMP, PMP Brain Dump Quick Reference, and various handouts detailing project processes and best practices. - Strategies for completing PMI® Project Management Professional certification application - Identification of application requirements - The Project Management Basics, Framework and Processes - Comprehensive PMP® Pre-Test - Project Exercise: Project Selection exercises - Project Integration Management - Practical Exercise: Integration Management practice exam - Project Scope Management - Practical Exercise: Scope Management practice exam - Project Time Management - Project Time Management (continued) - Practical Exercise: Time management practice exam - Project Cost Management - Practical Exercise: Earned Value Management calculations practice - Practical Exercise: Cost management practice exam - Project Quality Management - Practical Exercise: Quality Management practice exam - Project Human Resources Management - Practical Exercise: Human Resources Management practice exam - Project Communications Management - Practical Exercise: Communications Management practice exam - Project Risk Management - Practical Exercise: Risk Management practice exam - Project Procurement Management - Project Stakeholder Management - Practical Exercise: Stakeholder Management practice exam - Leadership and Motivation - Professional Ethics and Responsibility - Practical Exercise: Professional Ethics and Responsibility practice exam - PMP Practice Exams - Practical Exercise: Multiple PMP simulation exams

Jesus hung there crucified by the Romans but transfixed on His faithful Father. Jesus the Messiah was now reaching what would be the end of His earthly life. We watch the scene unfold—not as one of those on the hill that day, but as one reading their favorite book again. We know the end of the book but are still captivated by the story every time we read it. Jesus, hanging there—or hanged there, more accurately—was going to speak. He was going to say something. Of all the things He could say, what would it be? Rehearsed or not, these would be His dying words. Here was no new teaching. He didn’t quote the darkness of Psalm 88 or the imprecations of Psalm 35. He quoted Psalm 31:5, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” On the cross, with death gloating over Him as much as the Roman soldiers and pretentious Jewish leaders, Jesus quoted a psalm of confident deliverance. Why? First, Jesus confidently died on the throne. Jesus was the king who had come, and He exercised kingly authority everywhere He went. Demons cowered, disease fled, darkness was wrestled into the light. Even in His death, Jesus retained His authority. It is difficult to think of a more demeaning and disempowering death than crucifixion. But there, crucified, Jesus asserted what He would and wouldn’t do (John 10:17–18). This was no cosmic child abuse. The Father’s wrath being poured out on the Son accorded with Jesus’ will and the Father’s will to save God’s people. And when the time came for it to be “finished,” the Son confidently acted in redemption, committing His spirit to His heavenly Father. Second, Jesus confidently trusted His heavenly Father. He experienced the full condemnation for sin in its horrific complexity. There was the physical pain of a long, torturous death. There was the felt deprivation of His Father’s presence (Matt. 27:46). There was the absence of His earthly companions. Jesus suffered all the punishment for sin, draining the cup of wrath to its dregs. And in that, He was still confident in His heavenly Father’s love. In fact, it was at that moment that Jesus altered Psalm 31:5. Where David called out to his “Lord, faithful God,” Jesus called out to His “Father.” The confidence of the Son in the paternal love of the Father couldn’t be extinguished in the torrent of maximum divine judgment. Christian, don’t we tremble at even a glimpse of our sin? How easily and how often can our confidence in God’s love shift and change? Jesus quoted Psalm 31:5. It is a gift to us from our Savior. If He could quote Psalm 31:5 while atoning for all our sins, how much more of a right do we have to quote it as delighted sons and daughters of our heavenly Father? Today, go boldly into that throne room through the atonement and confidence of your Savior, Jesus the Christ, in whom we have God as our Father.

Lubricants with the Extra Dose of Expertise Constantly changing framework conditions and growing demands on modern lubricants require competence all along the line. It’s a good thing that our oil production in Saarlouis is optimally positioned – thanks to extensive modernisation measures and a great deal of expertise! The future is the destination in our ultramodern in-house laboratory. Our team, led by Head of Research and Development Michael Scholer, meets every technical challenge, fine-tunes tailor-made products, and develops individual solutions to diverse problems. Always thinking one step ahead – that’s why Meguin stands for innovations such as special biological products based on renewable raw materials. And here the close cooperation with our customers is a decisive success factor. Listening, thinking, fine-tuning – a harmonious triad with which we constantly develop new groundbreaking products and concepts. The creation of new products and special solutions is no witchcraft for our experienced oil magicians. As a result, we play an important international role in the field of engine oil development, e.g. with oils for low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) or fuel economy oils that reduce fuel consumption. Our experts use special additive packages to improve the performance properties of lubricants, which are becoming more and more complex, in line with higher requirements. A modern passenger-car motor oil, for example, contains 20 to 25% more additives, and commercial vehicle oils contain 10% more. During recent years in particular, we have invested heavily in the restructuring of our processes and procedures and the expansion of our production capacity. Today, our tank farms have a capacity of 18 million liters of base oils and our raw material and formulation facility has a total of 140 storage tanks. An ultra-modern matrix distributor guarantees efficient material flow. Eleven mixing plants offer batching capacities from 3.8 to 22 tons. Up to 300 large containers are filled daily on two filling lines, and five small-container filling lines deliver between 70,000 and 100,000 liters in containers from 250 ml to 5 l in up to three shifts every day. Productivity all along the line! At Meguin, we produce around 80,000 tons of lubricants per year, which are supplied to more than 120 countries around the world. The majority of these are automotive products. The same high quality standards apply to all products worldwide. We develop and produce our oils and additives exclusively in Germany. Because the promise “Made in Germany” has an excellent reputation around the globe and is a safe bet for our customers. No matter in which country and under what conditions: Our first-class quality always meets the required standards and provides real benefits. Internal quality assurance has also been further optimized in recent years. We are able to cover our entire analysis spectrum ourselves. With the large number of daily oil samples with numerous individual analyses for production control, this is not only more economical, but also significantly faster and more flexible. All incoming raw materials are carefully checked and, even during production, continuous quality controls are carried out right up to the retention sample for the finished products. Before the finished products are dispatched, extensive checks are carried out again. In addition, all relevant production data for each production line is recorded and documented. Labeling with batch number and production date enables the complete traceability of all products. What is initiated by our sales team in the Meguin headquarters is carried out into the market by our nationwide support center dealers as the first point of contact. They provide important know-how, are available for regular training courses and, if necessary, provide on-site support for complex questions. Nor do we leave the growth opportunities offered by the global development of new markets to chance. Rather, we rely on our decades of experience in the international arena and the consistently high quality of our products worldwide to position Meguin together with our sales partners worldwide. Environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and compliance with the strictest environmental standards are particularly important to us. An impressive example of our sustainable actions is the complex pigging technique in the central formulation tank farm with matrix distributor. Here, the pipes of our eight main production lines are cleaned highly efficiently at every formula change before the new oil is filled. The result: significantly less flushing oil. An investment that has a positive impact on the environment. We have the technical expertise. We have the professional expertise. And above all: We have the human expertise. Really living our corporate values and the ideas, creativity and dedication of our colleagues form the basis for our continuous growth. In order to safeguard this, we regularly create new jobs and are firmly committed to Germany as a business location. Quality lubricants made in Germany. Manufactured in our state-of-the-art production, filling and packaging facilities in Saarlouis.

I'm sure everyone knows about the "unlimited data" that a lot of prepaid carriers offer. Where they say it's unlimited but they actually slow down or throttle your data after a certain amount. Something many of you may not know is that TracFone is still around. And they own and operate a couple of the major MVNO's, like Straight Talk and Net 10. This week, the FTC cracked down on TracFone and their MVNO's over their "unlimited data" offerings. Basically saying that Unlimited data with restrictions is not unlimited data. And I completely agree. But TracFone, Straight Talk and Net 10 are not the only ones doing this. T-Mobile (both prepaid and postpaid), Boost Mobile, Sprint, Sprint Prepaid, Virgin Mobile, Cricket, are just a few. So why is this a big deal? Well when you advertise "unlimited data", you should be getting unlimited data. Now I'm fine with the fair use policies that a lot of carriers have. For instance, T-Mobile's truly unlimited data is limited at like 10 terabytes. You will likely never hit that. That's also a way to keep users from using their phone as their router. Since carriers are not ISP's. Which I also agree with. Because these carriers are not ISP's and should not be treated as one. Even though technically AT&T is an ISP, that is a different section of their company. While I do like T-Mobile's plans of 3GB of data and then slowed after that instead of getting charged overages. I would rather them market it as 3GB of data, and not unlimited data. And the same for these other carriers. I'm sure the FTC agrees there as well. This ruling basically affects everyone but Verizon. Coincidence? Well I'm not going to read too much into it, but this does affect Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T, so perhaps. But I do think this is a way for carriers to jump over to the data buckets and charge overages for going over that allotment of data, unfortunately. I'm sure I'm not the only one that hates overages, and I'd love for the carriers to bring back unlimited data. Although we know that's not going to happen, carriers want to milk us for every dime. Even though T-Mobile tries to be your best friend with their whole uncarrier approach, the are also doing the same thing. As they do need to turn a profit. So what do all of you think? Is the FTC in the right here with their stance on "unlimited data"? I think they are a bit late to the party here though as Unlimited data is basically out the door. Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.

Before we get started, a shout out to all the folks following me on Instagram and Facebook who got the big news first. This secret has been hard to keep! If you are coming here looking for a detailed account of what I have been doing since last week, hang tight for a little longer. I need to get home, finish writing it up, then hold for White House approval. Until then, I’ll be sharing sharing snippets on social media. And believe me – there is so much to share! So let’s just start with stating the obvious: tasteful Christmas decorations aren’t my thing. Understated is one of the dirtiest words in my vocabulary. I say, go big or go home. IT’S CHRISTMAS. Even minimalists can take a break for some holiday hoopla! Each year, you’ll find multiple trees in my house, and very often there will be a theme (like my Bohemian Funk Granny Chic tree) but I also keep an ongoing ornament collection: birds. Knowing bird ornaments are so varied in color and texture, they sort of get lost on regular green trees and I have been longing for a metallic tree for years. So you can guess what happened when Treetopia contacted me about joining their 2015 Design Council trying out one of their metallic trees for myself. As you can tell, my living room is two things: colorful and crammed. Not small; crammed. It is jam packed with my favorite things and I wouldn’t have it any other way, especially at Christmas! The furniture is laid out in a weirdly functional fashion, however, throwing in a big ol’ Christmas tree can pose a problem. The footprint of any Christmas tree (especially the real ones) requires a decent chunk of open space, and I just don’t have that in this room. Which is why I love THIS tree. I can put it on an end table, go right up to the ceiling, and everyone who walks in thinks there is an enormous tree in the room, but it actually doesn’t take up any space. And because it’s faux, the branches are universally strong, and you can really pack on the ornaments. Treetopia calls this their ‘slim cut’ style, but I think that’s there way of saying ‘minimal footprint.’ This tree has a lot of bounce to the ounce. That blue door to the left of the tree opens inward to a closet, so really, the only thing sacrificed here is the end table. And I’m thinking its current post is a pretty good gig for an end table. The ornaments are a mix of my most treasured birds and the flamingo ornaments you guys sent me in 2013. I toyed with the idea of doing a solo flamingo tree agin this year (last year’s was pretty cool) but I feared I would run out of time and space so let the birds and flamingos flock together this year. Most of the ornaments on here are handmade, but there are a few store-bought, and a selection of vintage glass balls. Because you know I love my balls… Back to the tree… Now that I see it all together, it’s hard to imagine this collection together on anything other than this particular metallic tree. And here is the weirdly awesome thing: it looks completely different with the lights on and off. Look! Good thing metallics are neutral, right? Speaking of neutral…this is one of the things that make Treetopia trees stand out – the light strand is taupe. Not white, not green, not black: taupe. And there are a TON of them. And it comes with a stomper plug so you don’t have to bend over and deal with extension chords every time you want to turn in on and off. Another favorite: the stand. This stand is 10,000 times sturdier than most faux tree stands. I have had to toss or return several trees simply because the stand bent slightly so it never stood upright. This stand is built like a tank – it’s not going anywhere, which is one of the many reasons I love Treetopia and I was a customer long before they ever contacted me about this post! Look at that. Full, lush branches. No trunk in sight. No weird smell. That’s a quality tree right there! Many thanks to Treetopia for making my metallic Christmas tree dreams happen, and thank YOU for supporting the brands that make this site possible. Merry Christmas to all!

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Reputation management is an integral part of a successful online presence. In order to be successful, however, online reputation management has to be done correctly, which is where an online presence manager comes in handy! Why You Need Reputation Management by an Online Presence Manager Imagine for a moment that you run an ice cream shop. I walk into your shop and I buy a vanilla cone. I finish that ice cream cone as I walk back home, but when I get home, I decide that I didn’t really like it. Like most people, these days, I hop online to leave my review of your vanilla ice cream and tell people what I really thought… Feeling quite pleased with my short, but cynical review, I decide to copy and paste it to a few other review sites as well. Now you, as the owner of a small business, probably don’t have time to monitor online mentions of your company. This means that one unhappy customer has now been able to deter customers from your business in multiple places and you haven’t been given a chance to rectify the situation. Hey, it’s not like you took their name and number when they ordered, right? Now, say that you do monitor online mentions of your business, do you know which sites to monitor? There are thousands of online review sites and industry-specific sites that could be a target for unhappy customers. And what do you do when one of the sites in question doesn’t allow feedback to be withdrawn, edited, or deleted? In both of these situations, an online presence manager could benefit you and your company. How Can an Online Presence Manager Help You? An online presence manager is familiar with all of the tools available for monitoring online reputation. Not only this, but they also have the tools to appropriately respond to and request the removal of inappropriate comments and feedback on your business. An online reputation manager is able to respond diplomatically when the situation calls for it and intervene when needed. They are trained to get the best outcome of any situation for you and your business so that no matter what, your business reputation remains intact. Think you have the tools it takes to monitor your own online presence? Even with the right tools on hand, consider the time it takes to monitor and manage feedback. Essentially, managing your online reputation is a fulltime job and you already have one of those… Think You Need an Online Presence Manager? If you could use an online presence manager to help to get your business reputation on track, drop me a line at (727)-475-6460 and we’ll get you on the right track in no time.

The ruling might seem a little odd because it really should be Apple who owes Qualcomm. It has not been paying for patents it has been using for some years. We wish we knew the technique for when a debt collector came calling. “You owe us money!” “No you owe me money.” “Do you want to pay now or later?” Judge Gonzalo Curiel of the US District Court for the Southern District of California ruled that Qualcomm, the world’s biggest supplier of mobile phone chips, was obligated to pay nearly $1 billion in rebate payments to Apple, which for years used Qualcomm’s modem chips to connect iPhones to wireless data networks. The payments were part of a business cooperation agreement between the two companies amid the peculiar patent licensing practices of the consumer electronics industry. In general, the contract factories that built Apple’s iPhones would pay Qualcomm billions of dollars per year for the use of Qualcomm’s patented technology in iPhones, a cost that Apple would reimburse the contract factories for. Separately, Qualcomm and Apple had a cooperation agreement under which Qualcomm would pay Apple a rebate on the iPhone patent payments if Apple agreed not to attack in court or with regulators. In a lawsuit filed two years ago, Apple sued Qualcomm, alleging that the chip supplier had broken the cooperation agreement by not paying $1 billion in patent royalty rebates. Qualcomm pointed out that it stopped paying the rebate payments because Apple had broken the agreement by urging other smartphone makers to complain to regulators and making “false and misleading” statements to the Korean Fair Trade Commission, which was investigating Qualcomm over antitrust allegations. Judge Curiel sided with Apple, ruling that Qualcomm owed the missed rebate payments. Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm, told Reuters in a statement: “Although the Court today did not view Apple’s conduct as a breach of Apple’s promises to Qualcomm in the 2013 Business Cooperation and Patent Agreement, the exposure of Apple’s role in these events is a welcome development.” The decision will not become final until after the trial in the case, which begins next month. And it is unlikely that Qualcomm will make a new payment to Apple. Apple’s contract factories, which under normal circumstances would pay Qualcomm for patent royalties owed on iPhones, have already withheld the $1 billion in payments to Qualcomm. Qualcomm’s Rosenberg said those withheld iPhone payments have already been accounted for in Qualcomm’s existing financial statements.

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A British netizen expressed his support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to require American citizens to get a visa first before being allowed to travel to the Philippines. On a Facebook post, Malcolm Conlan, also known as “British Pinoy-at-heart,” said that he’s wondering why the government is letting the US citizens travel to the Philippines visa-free. At the same time, Filipinos have a hard time to enter America. He also questioned the move of the American politicians who pushed for the ban of the Filipino government officials and other people involved in the detention of Senator Leila De Lima from visiting U.S According to him, the move of President Duterte is a clear message to the US that the Philippines is a strong country and cannot be pressured by powerful nations like America. This is what Conlan said: “I agree entirely with PRRD. Why should Americans enter the Philippines visa-free when America wants to ban PH diplomats based on fake news and hearsay? Why is it also right that US citizens are afforded the privilege of entering the Philippines visa-free, yet Philippine citizens have to go through such a difficult and even expensive process to obtain US visas? I am very glad that the Philippines and indeed President Duterte is clearly showing the world that they are a strong country and will not be dictated too by peddlers of fake news and LP fanatics. Hopefully, this move will also lead to better visa reciprocal arrangements being agreed too,” On Friday, Malacanang Palace announced that they’re planning to require all Americans to get a visa before traveling to PH if they insist in enforcing the entry ban against Filipino officials who were involved in the detention of De Lima. “Lahat. Kung ie-enforce nila. Yun ang colatilla doon. If they will enforce this provision, in the US budget, then we will be compelled to require all Americans to secure a visa before they can be allowed entry,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. “Napakaswerte nga sila, hindi sila binibigyan ng visa samantalang tayo nagpapakahirap. Masyado silang nagging privileged,” he added.

Life insurance, in fact all insurance, is based on the idea of sharing the possibility of some adverse/negative occurrence. A large group of individuals, each year, pay their small part of the total of the insurance claims so that when they die, their spouses and children (called beneficiaries) can get a large amount in relation to what they paid into their policy. The life insurance companies are cautious, and rightly so, for the good of all policyholders and try not to insure (or they charge higher rates for) people who statistically, because of past medical history or riskier life style, may die earlier than expected. If the insurance companies accepted these individuals who are at “higher risk” at normal rates, then this could, at some point, increase the premium rates for next group of people who are in good health. The reason for this is that if claims (money paid out) exceeded money received in premiums, the life insurance company could be paying out more than they collect. Too little money received while paying more in insurance claims could hurt the insurance company. With a very large amount of claims because of bad pricing the life insurance company might even go out of business and not be there to assist the beneficiaries of the people who depend on them to pay their life insurance benefits. The life insurance company has to be sensible and far-sighted resulting in a strong financial position to serve all the policy owners. Underwriting: By testing and studying the histories of the people who apply for insurance, the costs to the insurance consumer are kept down. This procedure of reviewing what rate is charged to an individual is called underwriting. Underwriting life insurance is not a precise science: Each life insurance company looks at circumstances in a somewhat different way. That’s where an experienced and knowledgeable advocate for your insurance comes into play – a high-quality agent – an agent that has worked with the different life insurance companies and can direct the insurance policy to the company that fits each person’s circumstances and history – and has the best rate. That’s where a company, like InstantQuoteLifeInsurance.com, comes in. What are the underwriting concerns of the life insurance companies? They are looking at the kind of health concerns that one’s doctor is looking for: Cigarette smoking, cholesterol above normal limits, the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, one’s weight and any medical history or dangerous recreational sport that could decrease a person’s life span. Synopsis of how life insurance rates are calculated: - One’s age - Health history - Gender: A female is charged less for life insurance than a male of the same age based on the fact that females live longer. - The medical history of one’s parents, brothers and sisters - Lifestyle: Do you drive race cars? Do you go to hot spots in the world? Do mountain climbing? Parachute jump? What steps does the insurance company use to place you in a rating category? An extensive questionnaire is completed, sometimes by the agent for smaller amounts of insurance but usually by a medical examiner. When a physical exam is required, the insurance company pays for it along with blood and urine testing and sometimes an EKG. You give your OK to let the company access your medical records. Based on the test results and your history, the company gives you a rating class. These rating classes are called, for example; “super preferred” – the lowest in cost – and then preferred, regular or standard. Each of these groups has a different cost for your age and gender. Even if you have had some medical concerns in your history, you can often still get insurance but with an extra rate. The terminology for this extra rate is called a “rated” policy. What if you have had an imperfect medical history? Again, the right person representing your interests is important. There are agents that know more than others. Even with experience, it’s also important to have access to many insurance companies. A good online life insurance site has access to numerous companies. When you get a medical exam for insurance, what is done? The exam is done at your home or office. A physician, paramedic or a nurse goes through a questionnaire on your history. A urine sample is taken along with a blood sample. For larger amounts, more extensive tests including an EKG or X-Ray, might be done. The samples are tested for nicotine, certain medications and for illegal drugs. How do you lower the cost of your life insurance? First, shop well. Get quotes from numerous companies. You can go to a quoting engine and get anonymous and instant life insurance quotes online. What are some things you can if you have a medical history and want to see what life insurance would cost? Be complete and truthful to the insurance agent about your history when you talk with the representative. As experienced professionals, we are aware of which insurance companies have lower insurance rates for different conditions. Often, we can find a company that looks at a situation vastly different than others to your advantage. If I get charged extra for my life insurance because of health problems or if I quit smoking cigarettes can I lower my life insurance cost later? In years to come, if your health improves (or if you are a smoker and quit for a few years), we can contact the insurance company on your behalf and ask the life insurance company will lower your rates. It can’t hurt your existing policy to do this since the policy you have can’t be changed once you have it but you could lower your costs. Life insurance companies want to ensure that a candidate receives the best coverage rate, and by using these techniques, the cost to the insurance consumer can be kept to a minimum. Click here to start your life insurance quote.

You just had a great dinner at your favorite restaurant. Maybe you’re out with your family, maybe with friends or even on a date 🙂 Then you suddenly feel some pain in your upper abdomen, right under the ribcage. Quickly it worsens to the point that you can hardly breathe. You feel sick to your stomach, you’re doubled up in pain wondering if you can make it to the bathroom in time. The pain spreads through the upper abdomen and aches into the back of the right shoulder. Somehow you make it home, wondering halfway there whether you should just detour to the nearest emergency room. Curled up on the couch while your worried family hovers over you, you just wish it would go away. Then suddenly, it does! The pain goes from about 254 on the 10-point pain scale to GONE. You sit up carefully, and everyone jumps and starts asking questions, but you feel completely normal. Now everybody’s looking at you funny, like you made it up. Pain can’t go from severe to gone in no time, can it? Yep, it can. This was my experience with gallstones. I thought I was crazy. When it happened a second time, I went to the doctor who confirmed it with an ultrasound. I had gallstones. I had my gallbladder out when I was 19 years old. Other than having to be careful about fatty, greasy meals, I haven’t had any problems since then. However not all my patients who have their gallbladders removed have such a good experience. Gallstones are crystals of cholesterol that form from bile in the gallbladder. They can grow pretty large (I’ve seen gallstones several centimeters across removed) but generally the little ones cause the most problems. They get stuck in the neck of the gallbladder and block the duct that drains bile into the intestine. They can also get stuck in the common bile duct (which drains from the liver into the intestine) and cause pancreatitis, which is on my top-5 list of things I NEVER want to have. Generally when a person has gallstones with typical pain, doctors will recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder. The question is, will surgery resolve the pain? Most of the time, it does. However, sometimes symptoms continue, and sometimes removing the gallbladder causes other symptoms. Bile is a soapy substance that acts like Dawn dishwashing liquid. It breaks up big fat droplets in partially-digested food to little fat droplets that are more readily absorbed. The gallbladder stores bile, and when you eat a fatty meal the stomach signals the gallbladder to contract and send out extra bile. After the gallbladder is removed, the digestive system doesn’t have any way to adjust to higher-than-usual fat in the diet. This can lead to abdominal cramping, bloating and diarrhea if you eat too much fat after gallbladder surgery. There isn’t any good way to be absolutely sure that the abdominal pain and other symptoms a patient is experiencing are actually caused by the gallstones. We have plenty of patients that have gallstones found on ultrasound done for another reason, but they have no symptoms at all. Suppose you have abdominal pain. As you know, MANY problems cause abdominal pain. Wouldn’t it be reasonable to try to make sure your pain can’t be relieved by other measures before heading to surgery? I dove into my nutritional medicine textbook to see if there were any measures that Dr. Gaby can suggest. He has several recommendations. 1. Eliminate food allergies I’m aware that I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. It seems that EVERYTHING is related to food allergies! Well, in this case, it makes sense. Intake of allergenic foods causes inflammation in the GI system. One study showed that people with untreated celiac disease had VERY delayed gallbladder emptying as compared to celiac disease patients who were well controlled on a gluten-free diet and normal control patients. Another study showed that 100% of study subjects with gallbladder problems were able to completely resolve their symptoms through use of an elimination diet. 100%. Every single one. If you or someone you know is struggling with gallstones or persistent symptoms after gallbladder removal, a food allergy elimination diet is a great next step and may resolve the symptoms. 2. Clean up the diet and use smart supplementation Formation of gallstones is correlated with a typical Western diet. Refined sugars, partially-hydrogenated oils, saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet increase the risk of gallstones. Vegetarians have a much lower risk of gallstones as compared to omnivores. Vegetable protein and dietary fiber in particular seem to decrease the risk. Substances that stimulate bile flow and lower the cholesterol content of bile, like caffeine, vitamin C, fish oil and moderate alcohol intake, decrease the risk of gallstones. It is interesting to note that iron deficiency increases the risk of gallstones. This may contribute to the increased risk of gallstones during and after pregnancy. 3. Maintain a healthy weight Obesity is associated with an increased risk of gallstones. If you have a family history of gallstones that’s a great reason to get serious about getting to and staying at a healthy weight. If you have gallstones, are you doomed to have gallbladder surgery? Not necessarily. You might very well be able to resolve your symptoms without surgery. And that, after all, is the goal. If we can make your gallstones stop bothering you, maybe you shouldn’t bother them! Over time, if you take care of the risk factors that may have caused them to develop in the first place, they might just resolve themselves.

Anonymous Transparency Complaint Triggers Probe Into Johnson County Community College Trustee A Johnson County Community College trustee faces censure after an emailed letter detailing a lack of oversight at the school was shared with board members. It details concerns about a myriad of financial policies and claims the school’s art collection is worth twice what the school has published. Some board members worry the letter itself adds to growing concerns about transparency. “The purpose of this email is to ask for change,” the letter reads. “We can prevent boards from blocking information and controlling access of other board members.” The board responded to the allegations with line-by-line responses, denying or justifying the statements in the letter. As part of the response, trustee Jerry Cook wrote the letter’s content is, “not only inaccurate but hurtful.” JCCC’s internal auditor, Justin McDaid, said his team vetted the letter and found nothing credible. A lack of transparency "The most ironic part of this whole thing is the advocacy for transparency," said Trustee Greg Musil. "We need more transparency, but I’m not going to tell you my name." Each board member has denied writing the anonymous note, except Trustee Angeliina Lawson. The public version of the letter doesn't name the sender, but the information in the letter combined with Lawson's refusal to state whether or not she wrote it have led the board to assume she is the author. Two school administrators even filed an ethics complaint against Lawson because the content of the letter targeted them and their departments. “Bruce Hartman and I have submitted an ethics point complaints asking that all communication become written,” Foundation Vice President Kate Allen said. “And, frankly, for public retraction of those comments for those employees that have not done anything wrong.” Because of that complaint, Lawson was removed from a committee posting and is facing a censure investigation. KCUR obtained an original copy of the letter through an open records request, which confirms that Lawson is the original author. But, she said she can’t fully claim writing it. “I compiled some of the sources in this, but the question of, you know, 'Did I write this?' comes from the wrong direction,” Lawson said. She said her letter is a compilation of questions from constituents that she sent at the request of Kansas state lawmakers. Lawson claims those representatives, though the declined to name them, also solicited the same information from other community college trustees. Heather Morgan, the executive director of the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees, said no one had contacted her about that possibility. Lawson said she was surprised when the board published the letter, and she emphasized employees named in it should not have been exposed to public criticism. “I’m not understanding the process as to how this happened,” Lawson said. “Who authorized the spread of an email that’s sensitive?” It isn’t the first time the school has struggled with transparency issues. In 2016, the board voted for a multi-year construction plan to renovate the campus, inadvertently cutting the track program at the same time. “The fact that the track program was cut is not just about the track program,” Former Assistant Coach Brian Batliner, said. “It’s evidence of deeper issues at the college.” Then in 2018, the board voted to increase tuition despite a steady rise in property tax income. Faculty Association President Melanie Harvey said they should have talked to students before increasing tuition. “We’ve had a lot of concern about a lack of respect for voices of faculty and staff and students and community members,” Harvey said. “These groups’ input is not valued when sometimes often they’re most impacted by the decisions being made.” Harvey said the board has repeatedly failed to talk with community stakeholders. The latest controversy comes while the school is searching for its next president. Current President Joe Sopcich is retiring, and the appearance of transparency problems could affect its ability to draw a competitive candidate pool. “While the submission of this document marks an unfortunate moment in the history of the JCCC Trustees,” Trustee Cook wrote, “We embrace the opportunity to highlight not only the facts but the wonderful students, employees and programs that make our institution so special.” Avery Gott is a news intern at KCUR.

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Jackie Hampton has pulled up to a small, self-serve, farm stand. It houses seasonal produce from That Guy’s Farm and floral bouquets from That Girl’s Flowers. She’s here to buy flowers for her daughter’s anniversary. “Actually this is my first time. I’ve always bought their produce and stuff.” Jackie says looking opening the door to the small, refrigerated building, “ They have beautiful flowers. You don’t see this kind in the stores.” In 2013, Debra Prinzing published a book called ‘Slow Flowers: Four Seasons of Locally Grown Bouquets From the Garden, Meadow and Farm,” launching a movement that is quickly gaining momentum across the country. The idea behind Slow Flowers, is the same as the Slow Food movement: buying flowers that are locally sourced and in season. The Slow Flower website lists around 620 members which 620 members in the United States who are "slow" growers, florists, wholesalers, online retailers - twelve of those growers are in Ohio - including That Girl’s Flowers, owned by Nellie Ashmore. Nellie grew up on her parents farm, called That Guy’s Family Farm, where they grew produce and flowers. As time went by, Nellie took over the flower growing and created her own business called That Girls Flowers. She grows around two acres of flowers every year on the farm in Blanchester, just north of Cincinnati in Clinton County. “What I’m most appreciative of is how much support our farm has been given by the community around here,” Nellie says, “It’s just really amazing.” In 1991, President George Herbert Walker Bush was looking for ways to stem the illegal drug trade in Colombia, by giving more incentives for legal trade. As a result, the 6 percent import duty on Colombian flowers disappeared - and over the next few years - so did over half of the U.S. flower farms. Colombia now makes up 80% of the flowers sold in the United States. When South America overtook the U.S. floral industry, bouquets became very generic. Roses, lilies, fressia, and carnations are staples. That’s because these are flowers that can survive the rough handling and long shipping process - going from the fields of South America by plane to Miami, where they are stored in warehouses, and then shipped by trucks across the U.S.. The ‘Slow Flower’ movement has opened up an eager market for more unique flowers and creative bouquets that utilize seasonal flowers and local foliage. “It’s really overwhelming how many people actually buy flowers, and want to buy flowers, and care that the flowers that I grow are unique, and fresh, and one of a kind,” says Nellie. Barking farm dogs announce the arrival of Rosealie and Katie. New Yorkers that have come back to Ohio to get married tomorrow. “We googled local flowers, Cininnati and That Girl’s Flowers was the first to come up,” Rosealie says. “[We] look for the local flowers. Because we knew we liked flowers but we needed to find a way to do it.” “Without a huge carbon footprint’” Katie chimes in. Nellie takes the two women back to her work area in the barn. Buckets full of brightly colored flowers and greenery fill the table. “We’ve got celosia, zinnias, dahlias and then I did a mixed bucket of dahlias with zinnias and another kind of celosia,” Nellie says going over their wedding order. “And these are your foliage buckets. These are beauty berries, you can see the little berries on it. This is ninebark, this is autumn olive, viburnum and more autumn olive.” Ninebark, autumn olive, dahlia…..these aren’t plants that the average florist carries. “I think it was so great to find a place like That Girl’s Flowers in Cincinnati because we didn’t know what was available and this is exactly what we were looking for,” Rosealie says, with an ear to ear grin. The three women carry bucket after bucket of colorful flowers out to the car. These are the last of Nellie’s harvest. There is a frost warning for tonight, and in the morning the fields of flowers will have turned brown and died. Rosealie and Katie pull away with a car loaded with flowers. “That was a great way to wrap up the season having a customer come and be very happy with their flowers and knowing the last flowers are going to be for someone’s wedding and very special,” Nellie says as she watches them go. Nellie will spend the winter planning what flowers she and her two employes will plant next year and ordering seeds. In addition to her customers, Nellie supplies seasonal bouquets to Dorothy Lane Markets in the Dayton area and Pippin’s Farm Market in the Cincinnati area. Nellie is part of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association and offers advice to other Slow Flower growers.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a dustborne, noncontagious infection caused by a dimorphic fungus. Infections are limited to arid and semiarid regions of the southwestern USA and to similar areas of Mexico and Central and South America. While many species of animals, including humans, are susceptible, only dogs are affected significantly. Disseminated disease is common in dogs and causes cutaneous, osseous, cardiac, ocular, nervous system, or other organ disease. Species which are pathogenic to dogs include: - Coccidioides immitis - Coccidioides posadasii Inhalation of fungal spores is the only established mode of infection, and spores may be carried on dust particles. Epidemics may occur when rainy periods are followed by drought, resulting in dust storms. Organs commonly affected by the disseminated disease include bones, eyes, heart, pericardium, testicles, brain, spinal cord, and visceral organs such as spleen, liver and kidneys. Disseminated disease usually manifests 4 months after development of the respiratory signs. The primary infection is pulmonary and frequently results in chronic cough. Other symptoms include lethargy, fever, bone pain associated with osteomyelitis, lymphadenopathy, dyspnea, coughing and intermittent diarrhea. Dissemination to the skin with draining ulceration may occur, but primary infection through the skin is rare. Coccidioidomycosis should be considered in any dog that has been potentially exposed during the previous three years and is presented with chronic illness, respiratory signs, lameness, lymphadenopathy, nonhealing cutaneous lesions, or neurological, ocular, or cardiac abnormalities. Gross lesions may be limited to the lungs, mediastinum, heart base and thoracic lymph nodes, or may be disseminated to various organs. Lesions are discrete, variable-sized nodules with a firm, gray-white cut surface, and resemble those of tuberculosis ( Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Infections: Introduction). The nodules are pyogranulomas composed of epithelioid and giant cells, and the center of some foci may contain purulent exudate and fungal organisms. Some lesions may have mineralized foci. Definitive diagnosis can be obtained by identification of Coccidioides by cytology, biopsy or culture, as well as immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization. ELISA and PCR assays are also available. In dogs with cardiac masses, surgical treatment via subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision is successful at relieving right-sided heart failure in dogs with effusive-constrictive pericarditis secondary to C. immitis infection, but long-term treatment with antifungal agents may still be required. Treatment typically involves long-term antifungal therapy with terbinafine, ketoconazole (5-10 mg/kg PO BID), itraconazole (5 mg/kg PO BID) and fluconazole (5 mg/kg PO BID) for 4 - 6 months. Lifelong treatment is recommended for dogs with disseminated disease. Amphotericin B may be used if the dog does not tolerate azoles. However, due to its narrow therapeutic index, nephrotoxicity and need for IV administration, it is not commonly used. The drug may also be administered subcutaneously. - Merck Veterinary Manual - Dog Heirs - Graupmann-Kuzma A et al (2008) Coccidioidomycosis in dogs and cats: a review. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(5):226-235 - Crabtree AC et al (2008) Relationship between radiographic hilar lymphadenopathy and serologic titers for Coccidioides sp. in dogs in an endemic region. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 49(6):501-503 - Ajithdoss DK et al (2011) Coccidioidomycosis presenting as a heart base mass in two dogs. J Comp Pathol 145(2-3):132-137 - Kirsch EJ et al (2012) Evaluation of Coccidioides antigen detection in dogs with coccidioidomycosis. Clin Vaccine Immunol 19(3):343-345 - Heinritz CK et al (2005) Subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision for treatment of coccidioidomycosis-induced effusive-constrictive pericarditis in dogs: 17 cases (1999-2003). J Am Vet Med Assoc 227(3):435-440 - Sakai MR et al (2011) Terbinafine pharmacokinetics after single dose oral administration in the dog. Vet Dermatol 22(6):528-534 - VMSG - canine coccidioidomycosis - Shubitz LF et al (2013) Efficacy of Nikkomycin Z for respiratory coccidioidomycosis in naturally infected dogs. Med Mycol Mar 14

Celebrating a New Cover! If you’re an indie author, like me, you know there’s a lot more to creating a successful marketing plan than writing the book. While an engrossing story is important, it doesn’t do you any good if no one knows about it. Editing, beta reading and critique groups are a good start and a necessary set of steps in order to make your book baby look the best it can (on the inside.) But what do you do after that? GET A PROFESSIONAL COVER ARTIST! I can’t say how many times I’ve been turned off of what could have been an award-winning story because of a weak cover. One of the first things any potential buyer is drawn to, whether online, a library, or in a brick and mortar store is a standout cover. It is critically important that YOU, as a hard-working writer, DO NOT skip this important marketing step. Okay, you have your masterpiece and the perfect frame for it, now what? Seriously though, having a strong social media presence is crucial if you want to get the word out about your books. Next, set up a newsletter–you’ve been building up subscribers at the same time you’re building SM contacts, right? :)–and send it out with the big news. It’s recommended not to push your sales, so take the time to be personable. Your followers want to know you, share a piece of you and they will respond, trust me! We’re doing great! Books are selling, reviews are trickling in, but then as time goes by the initial excitement wanes, now what? Placing your book on sale is a good marketing strategy. Not only do you regenerate interest in the product you’re promoting, but it often gains you readers for the rest of your backlist, as well. Again, this is where your growing social media connections can count. Rather than shoving the sale in their faces though, use those pretty memes you made and share them on Twitter and Facebook group pages in your chosen genre. I also like to book professional sites to share my sale, such as ereader News Today, Book Gorilla, and ebook Discovery, to name a few. Just make sure to decide on a budget beforehand, and stick to it. Keep in mind that while on the dace of it, your sale book may not pay out the cost of the fees, subsequent sales on all your books will continue for days or weeks after as your name moves up in Amazon (or other retailers) algorithms. Another choice you can make is upgrading to a new cover. Maybe, for whatever reason, the old cover isn’t doing its job of catching the attention of new readers. This is a guessing game, of course, but sometimes a cover with brighter colors, or a stronger image can make all the difference. I’ve decided to take that course of action with my 1950’s murder mystery, Missing: The Lady Said No. The title was clunky, so I dropped the Missing and added An Augustus Grant Mystery subtitle to define the series. The original cover was dark and moody, and didn’t explain the era as well as I wanted it to. The new cover is flashy, using a bright, bold color palette and an eye-catching image that does a much better job of hinting at the genre and storyline. What do you think?

Hello, and welcome. The world is full of unfamiliar things, so let me introduce myself: I'm a Pittsburgh native whose passions include Tolkien, Mixed Martial Arts, and largely anything Star Wars related. Over the course of my life, I've been privileged to have some of the world's great ideas shared with me by some of the world's greatest minds. I've worked in marketing, a deep-freeze, Christian ministry, teaching writing, ethics tutoring, and university admissions. Whew. Additionally, I've been honored to be included in The Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership, an interdisciplinary group of Constitutional law students at Waynesburg University, where I also received the James E. Garvin and Caroline Parkinson Garvin Prize in Humanities. Greetings and salutations, I'm a Southwestern PA native with a deep love for Batman, video games, and anything that smells of old books. I stand on the shoulders of giants, blessed to be mentored by several knowledgeable, and more importantly virtuous men. I've been involved in several Christian ministries, and have worked in day camps, retail, college administration, and career counseling. I completed my undergraduate degree in three years, earning a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Counseling. I was awarded the Outstanding Senior Award by the Psychology Department. I'm now enrolled in graduate studies, pursuing an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a certification in Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Counseling. Recently, I was inducted into Chi Sigma Iota, an academic honor society for counseling students. Everything we do relies on computers, mathematics, and electronics. Whether it be directly or indirectly, these devices command a heavy influence over our lives. They deserve our attention. My work consists of digging into these weird beeping machines that give us so much entertainment, so much stability, and (sometimes) so much pain. I'm an avid reader, favoring American Classics and modern Japanese Literature. I've found myself working everywhere from startup businesses out in California, to bar-backing for a local restaurant, to parks and recreation, to my current occupation: Good old software engineering. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Duquesne University, where I also completed minors in Theology and Mathematics. Along the way, I picked up a Certificate in Business Management. I've undertaken additional education at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Texas at Austin. I've found varying degrees of success competing in Hackathons as well as in International Collegiate Programming Competitions and the Mathematical and Computational Modeling Competition. Let me introduce myself, Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, now a resident of Old Dominion Virginia, I do my best to live life to the fullest. When I’m not in the lab working on immunochemistry or blasting a jig on my bagpipes, you can usually find me reading about the latest rocket launch. Getting here has been quite the journey. In the past, I worked retail, canvassed for a major political party, tutored writing at the collegiate level, and performed independent academic research, all before graduating from Waynesburg University with a B.S. in Biology. Now I work as an Assistant Scientist at PPD Laboratories in Richmond Virginia, a contract research organization, where I regularly run ELISA assays to advance drugs in clinical trials to the market. Over the years, I've come to realize that science can teach us about a lot more than just the structure of a protein. It can also teach us how to better face the wide world around us. I've been somewhat of a cosmopolitan throughout my life: born in Texas, raised in New Jersey, school in Pennsylvania and Michigan, study abroad in Scotland and Ireland, teaching in Arizona, and finally back to Pennsylvania to study the law. My life has consisted largely of an obsession with Star Wars (before Disney and the Trilogy-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named), theater, and a continuously growing interest in philosophy, mainly the question of what it means to be a good human. I have worked in landscaping, pizza making, in a patent office, a resident and day camp counselor, doing grunt work for Student Services at my school, building an archive, and teaching government and Economics. I received a Bachelors in History from Waynesburg University in 2017 and a Masters in Politics from Hillsdale College’s Van Andel School of Statesmanship in 2019. My life has been shaped by those around me, both mentors and friends, who have encouraged me and continued to discuss the big ideas outside of the classroom--where I remain firmly convinced most of my education has been received. What good does it do to read about history and philosophy if we do not discuss it with others?

Many are the times which water pump run out of pressure and definitely stop working after they are turned off for an extended period. An example of such a period is over the winter season. Priming a water transfer pump is, therefore, getting the pump to start working again. Water has to be flushed into the pump and after that forced through it so that enough pressure can be recreated again, ensuring the pump gets to work again. You should know that turning on a pump that has not been primed poses a risk to the motor and the pump at large. Since water transfer pipes are of different types, the priming methods to be applied can slightly vary. However, below are some of the necessary steps. steps on how to prime a water transfer pump 1. You should first turn off the water transfer pump before you begin the procedure It would be best if you never fiddled with a device while it is on. Ensure that any electrical power that is connected to the pump is turned off. You can do this by going at the base of the pump and turning it off or at the breaker panel 2. Find a plumbing fixture that allows you to access the pump system Most of the water transfer pumps have such fixtures located close to the water tank. However, if you are working on a pool pump, the accessory will be the strainer basket. 3. Thoroughly inspect the system for any damages You can do this by looking for cracks and other damages on all the piping and fittings. Such damages can occur if the system was off over winter. Ensure that any nuts, bolts, and drain plugs are all in good condition, tightened and fitted properly. 4. Look for a hose\pipe that can be connected to a water source The hose that you choose should be large enough to be connected to an independent water source. You can use your garden hose (if you have any). Also, ensure that this hose is clean and free from any material that can contaminate the water. After settling on the hose, run a substantial amount of water through it to flush. You might come across a hose that has some relief valves. Open all of the valves. This will ensure that no pressure builds up in it. You should, however, monitor the water pressure gauge while doing this. 5. Now insert the hose into the plumbing fixture This fixture is the one that was mentioned in step (ii). After inserting the hose, turn on the water source and let water flow through it. At this point you should hear some air starting to flow within the system. You should also hear water filling your tank. For those with a water pressure gauge, just look at it, you’ll notice the water level rising. 6. Turn off the water connected to the hose Immediately after you notice water coming out of the opposite end, turn off the water pump flow that you had connected to the hose. If the water stops flowing at that end, it means that the system has been pressurized and the priming was successful. The process might also fail, and you will, therefore, be required to repeat the whole process over again. This is the reason why you are not supposed to disconnect the hose before confirming that the process was successful. After you confirm that the process was successful, you can now turn on the power and turn on the pump system again. After turning it on, allow it to run for a moment (a minute or two). You might have opened the valves on the pump. In such a scenario, wait until you see water beginning to seep from the valves, and then immediately close them. Bear in mind that the pump might refuse to run. This can be caused by the pressure in the water tank being above or at the same level as the cutout pressure of the pump After the pump finishes its cycle and turns on automatically, the mission is complete. The pump refusing to turn on is normal and you will just be required to repeat the six simple steps until you get it to work.

I want to publish my book! Once an author decides to become an “indie”, the question is how to self-publish. Why do writers end up there? Basically there are 3 ways: the traditional publishing companies, the vanity press and self-publishing. Indeed, for the great majority of aspiring writers the traditional publishing houses don’t work (again, read David Caughran). They rarely accept your manuscript and if they do, they take away most control over both your writing, the pricing and your net income. The other way is to be an “indie writer”, basically doing self-publishing by yourself and ignoring the traditional publishing companies. But there are two ways to do it. What to avoid: the “vanity press” There are a number of companies that claim to assist indie writer: the “vanity press”. They offer several “plans” to help the authors to publish their book, most often promising a lot and doing much less than what the author expected. The plans can be pretty expensive (easily over US$10,000). Some of those companies are real mafia-type and use deceptive tactics. The most infamous and biggest is the group of Author Solutions, coming on the market with different company names to give the author the false impression they have a “choice”. Unfortunately they are all the same working under the umbrella of the mother company. Author Solutions was acquired by Penguin parent company Pearson in 2012 and became part of Penguin Random House following the 2013 merger of Random House and Penguin. PRH has sold its Author Solutions division to an affiliate of the Najafi Companies, a private investment firm, in December 2016. All those member companies of Author Solutions are to be avoided at all cost. For more, see the books and blog of David Gaughran who unmasks their shady tactics. See among others: https://davidgaughran.com/2014/06/03/the-case-against-author-solutions-part-1-the-numbers/ Those companies are also called “vanity press”, a publishing house in which authors pay to have their books published; vanity publishers have no selection criteria to accept a manuscript as opposed to the traditional publishing companies. What to do? The obvious choice for self-publishing: Amazon. More about that in another post.

The long-awaited plan for the HSE?s spending next year has been published this morning. THE HEALTH SERVICE Executive (HSE) has confirmed plans to cut ?619 million across services next year, but plans to clawback ?113 million in savings from medical card holders have been significantly watered down. As was expected the HSE will seek savings of ?23 million in medical card probity, down from the planned ?113 million that was announced in the Budget last October. Overall the planned reduction in spending of ?666 million comes down to ?619 million with the bulk of savings targeted in pay and pension savings. Some ?47 million has been allocated from Department of Social Protection ? as a result of the reduction in unemployment figures ? to the health service to help reduce its overall adjustment. The HSE has around ?13.12 billion of a budget for all of its services next year. ?In the context of a reduced budget, the Haddington Road Agreement provides an important mechanism by which this Service Plan can be delivered,? HSE director general Tony O?Brien said this morning. The HSE said that on foot of programme for government commitments some ?37 million has been provided for the provision of free GP care for children aged 5 and under, the legislation for which will be passed sometime next year. In addition, some ?20 million has been allocated for mental health services with the Minister Kathleen Lynch telling the D?il this morning this will allow for 250 to 280 additional staff in various mental health schemes, with recruitment commencing in the first quarter of 2014. The HSE said that overall some ?178 million in additional funding is being provided for ?vital service developments? including: ?3.2 million for the provision of bicochlear implants ?35 million for additional medical cards ?2.92 million for organ donation and transplant services ?3.8 million for medical oncology and haemato-oncology ?1.2 million for home care packages to support the discharge of special care babies from hospital ?1.48 million for the implementation of recommendations out of inquiries into the death of Savita Halappavanar ?4.5 million for diabetic retinopathy ?2 million to continue the roll out of the BowelScreen programme. More as we get it on www.thejournal.ie

|Member of the Internet Link Exchange| For now, however, I'll pause and take a look at the grassroots. This chapter will discuss the five ways local and regional trade unions use computer mediated communications: Online daily strike newspapers seem to be the most powerful uses made so far of the new communications technology by trade unions. But they have not shown that they can survive the end of the strike, though many readers seem to want them to do so. They are, therefore, wonderful campaigning tools, but have not proven themselves useful for the ongoing work of the labour movement between strikes. Trade union use of existing employers' networks is not well documented -- and for good reason. In some cases, workers are conducting trade union business on employers' email systems quietly, without the bosses ever knowing. Despite its advantages (the networks already exist, it's free of charge, and it works) it is insecure. Independent local and regional trade union networks were an important development in the 1980s and early 1990s. We talked about the British Columbia Teachers' Federation in the previous chapter. But these networks appear to be disappearing today (or at least changing drastically) with the opening up of the wider Internet. In countries where access to the Internet is still expensive -- and that, unfortunately, is true of most of the world -- these independent networks might still be relevant examples. Dial-up local trade union bulletin boards seem to be another tool whose time has come and gone, judging by the examples we have here. But like the independent networks, that is an illusion. Only in countries where Internet access is almost as cheap as a local telephone call -- and that really only describes North America for now -- is this the case. Everywhere else in the world, dial-up bulletin boards are still a viable option, and the experience of the pioneers in the US labour movement is worthy of some consideration. Finally, we'll have a look at some of the local trade union World Wide Web sites. With the rising popularity of the Web, it was inevitable that local trade unions, at least in the advanced industrial countries, would join the national and international trade union centres and use the new medium. Trade union Web sites are being added daily; we'll look at just a few examples here.

You need to login to submit an event! Jay Sean’s Im All Yours tour hit the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on Friday, October 26, a dream come true for every young girl there without a doubt. Playing some of his biggest hits, such as Hit the Lights, Down and 2012 (This Ain’t The End), it’s hard to believe that this was his first headlining tour, especially when looking back at the show he put on. The night began with the star studded local line-up of SYDkids, Kookies & Kream, Young Men Society and Justice Crew rocking the stage with performances that got patrons ready for some legitimate partying. DJ Nino Brown played all the anthems to get any urban rocker’s night started. As hands began to hit the ceiling and hearts began to pound, the lights went down and then the man himself stepped out. I have never seen a crowd go into a state of euphoria as quickly as it did that night. The young Brit proved that he is a man of many talents – from belting out a sweet chorus and tearing it up with a beatbox flow to serenading one lucky audience member. All the females (and a few males, I may add) were nothing short of intoxicated by the sight of the YMCMB rep. The screams of the crowd were hitting high decibels, the ground began to shake and knees began to tremble. Mr. Sean’s presence automatically demanded all eyes to the stage and it stayed that way until the very end. Its rare to find a musician who can deliver the same quality that you find on record. That’s what separates Jay Sean from all the rest – he’s a quality artist in his own right. What you see is an underestimate of what you get. Attending this concert was more of an investment rather than a night out and it’s something that needs to be experienced at least once. Jay Sean’s upcoming album Worth It All, is due out late 2012. Photos: Michael Perelini

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Electrical inspection & testing, based in Chesterfield Also covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, including towns and cities such as Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Ripley, Barnsley, Rotherham, Mansfield, Matlock and all surrounding areas If you need an electrician or an electrical contractor in Chesterfield to carry out any electrical inspection and testing in your home/commercial premises, please call us today on 07716 848802 or use the contact details down below. Electrical inspections & testing Working throughout Chesterfield and surrounding areas, we provide a comprehensive electrical testing and inspection service to all domestic and commercial clients across the town and surrounding areas. We work to the 18th Edition wiring regulations and are registered with ELECSA, so you're in safe hands with us. Some of our electrical services include: Electrical Inspection Condition Report's To ensure the safety of your home and your loved ones, it's important to regularly check the safety of your electrical installations. Naturally, electrical fittings deteriorate with age, so we'll check to make sure that all electrics are working as they should be. Official guidelines state that periodic inspections should be carried out every 10 years, but we recommend checking them more often so you can have complete peace of mind. It is a legal requirement that electrical appliances are regularly checked and maintained. The best way to do this is through a PAT test. We can test all electrical devices in your business to ensure that you remain compliant with the law. Other electrical inspections and tests We also carry out: - Installation certificates - Earthing, bonding and wiring to IEE regulations - Regulatory and legislative compliance - Presence of notices and identification documents - Visual inspection report's Get in touch for an electrical inspection test in Chesterfield... To get in touch with our electricians and chat about our electrical testing services, please request a quote via our website's contact form or give our electricians a call on 07716 848802. We'll look forward to hearing from you soon.

Caring for someone nearing end of life Caring for someone nearing the end of their life will probably be one of the most difficult things you will ever do. However, knowing you've done everything you can to make sure your loved one's wishes are respected and that they pass away with dignity can be very comforting to you and to your loved one. If you've only recently become a carer or aren’t already getting support, it is important to take advantage of the help on offer to you as a unpaid carer. You can find out more about this in our where to start section. The Caring for Carers website is full of advice and information for carers who are looking after someone with palliative care needs. It has been created by a partnership of organisations including Marie Curie, Carers Trust and Carers Northern Ireland. What do you need to consider? The NHS website has excellent information about end of life care including: - Different types of end of life care (i.e. location) - Information about benefits and coping financially - Planning ahead (e.g making a will and making an Advance Statement) - Managing pain - Making the most of the time the person has left - Where the person you care for can choose to die. When does end of life care begin? End of life care is support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. People in lots of different situations can benefit from end of life care. Some of them may be expected to die within the next few hours or days. Others receive end of life care over many months. End of life care should help a person to live as well as possible until they die, and to die with dignity. The professionals providing their care should ask them about your wishes and preferences, and take these into account as they work to plan their care. They should also support you as their family member and/or carer. Knowing what to expect One of the hardest things about caring for a person who is end of life is knowing what to expect in terms of physical changes in your loved one as they near end of life. One question you'll probably have is 'how long?' and it's sometimes difficult for professionals to give you an answer. Marie Curie have developed an online guide which discusses the physical changes your loved one may go through in the final weeks and days of life so you have a better idea of what to expect. Their website also covers things including coping with the diagnosis, making choices about care, financial issues and what to expect (physically and emotionally) in the last few weeks and days of life. Respecting the person’s wishes Many terminal illnesses can affect people's ability to express their wishes. That's why it's important to make plans for end of life care early on even if it’s difficult to talk about. Would the person prefer to stay at home or be cared for in a hospice setting? Do they have any wishes about medication and pain relief? The person managing their care should talk to them about this but as their carer it is important you know what their wishes are so you can help make sure they are followed. You may wish to find out about Advanced Statement and Decisions. As well as looking after the physical needs of the person nearing end of life, hospices look after their emotional and social needs. They also support carers, family members and friends both before and after your loved one has passed away. Hospice care is provided in a wide range of settings, not just hospice buildings. This could include the person’s own home, day centres and care homes. For family members and carers hospices can provide services such as: - Bereavement support - Practical legal and financial advice - Support groups and social activities for people who are recently bereaved - Sitting services so carers can get a short break from their role. Many have patient and family support teams whose role it is to give emotional support to you, your loved one and other family members. In Derbyshire there are four main providers of hospice care that receive some funding from Derbyshire County Council and the NHS: - Ashgate Hospice, Chesterfield, who provide a carers support service and groups - Blythe House, Chapel-en-le-Frith, who provide a carers support group, a counselling service and a drop-in information service - Treetops Hospice, Risley, who provide a carers support group and a drop-in information service The hospices also provide support services for children and young people, including young carers. Helen's Trust based in Bakewell also provide hospices services. Their services are offered in people's own homes for those who would prefer to pass away at home. Who will help deliver end of life care? Who will be responsible for your loved one’s care will depend on where they have expressed they would prefer to die. The palliative care team will organise for them to be cared for according to their wishes. You can find out more about the options on the NHS Choices website. The main options are: Wherever the person you care for chooses to receive their care, you should be offered support as their carer/family member. NHS continuing healthcare If a person chooses to receive care at home, in a care home, or in a hospice, they should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare. Continuing healthcare is care given over an extended period to meet the physical or mental health needs of adults with a illness, disability or injury. It involves a package of care and support that is arranged and funded by the NHS and is free of charge to the person receiving the care. This is sometimes called "fully funded NHS care". Support available if you are providing care at home to someone nearing end of life If your loved one has chosen to stay at home and you are providing the majority of care, support is available for both of you. The care will likely be managed by your loved one's GP and the community nursing team. The community nursing team should be able to help arrange support for you such as: - Sitting services so you can take a break from your caring role - Paid home carers to help you carry out tasks such as personal care and moving and handling - Putting you in touch with local services for carers such as support groups and counselling services. Caring for someone with terminal cancer Macmillan has an excellent guide on caring for someone suffering cancer which covers both practical and emotional issues and also has a section for young people. They also have a telephone helpline which is open Monday to Friday, 9am till 8pm on tel: 0808 808 0000. If the person you support has memory problems and cancer you may be interested in Macmillan's Cancer and Dementia Guide for Carers. The also have a guide which is aimed for the person with dementia and cancer. Macmillan also have an online community where you can get support from other carers and people suffering from cancer. We also have details of other online communities/forums and helplines that help support carers. The Marie Curie website has similar information and advice as well as a directory of services and blog posts where carers share their story of caring for someone nearing end of life. Marie Curie can be contacted on tel: 0800 090 2309 Caring for someone nearing the end of their life can have a big impact on both your finances and those of the person you care for. Our benefits for carers section will give you further information about the financial help you can claim as a carer. The Derbyshire Welfare Rights Service will be able to check you and the person you care for are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. You can contact their helpline between 11am and 4.30pm, Mon, Tue, Thur and Fri on tel: 01629 531535. You can also contact them by email: email@example.com Other helpful websites and pages - Bereavement support - Marie Curie - Help Guide - late stage and end-of-life care - Dying Matters - Alzheimer's Society - Macmillan - carers guide for those supporting someone with dementia and cancer Coronavirus (COVID-19) -… Worried about COVID-19? We've collected together the latest information and advice on how to protect yourself and… Find out more

Last month Mother Nature tried to fool us into thinking we would have an early spring, but she soon brought back the winter weather. So – winter activities have resumed as the ice has frozen on the lakes & rivers again. The Canada Geese stayed with us and are waiting for the weather to warm… Continue reading It is Still Winter at Fort Whyte Alive I certainly wouldn’t have believed it and I still don’t, but the Canada Geese have returned already predicting a very early spring. I still expect some major cold weather and snow storms and hope the geese will be ok. But – the critters seem to know the weather and their forecasts are often more accurate… Continue reading Spring in February? I didn’t believe the forecast when it had the temperature going from around -30C (not including the wind chill) to -7C in a day – but that is exactly what happened. This morning it was -8C when I got up and right now at 3:00 pm, it is -2C! Amazingly enough, these temperatures are supposed… Continue reading A Break in the Cold Snap It was a beautiful day at Fort Whyte Alive on Friday. The temperature was reasonable, the sun was shining (off & on) and for much of my walk, I did not see or hear anyone else around. I found deer! 🙂 At this point we heard a group (a very noisy group) of school kids… Continue reading Fort Whyte Alive – February 5 We’ve seen all the critters from my visit to Fort Whyte on Saturday, and now it is time to look at the scenic views of snowy landscapes. Continuing with more of the critters from yesterday’s trip to Fort Whyte Alive, I’ve got pictures of Buffalo, Canada Geese and a Mallard Duck to show you. While I was standing and talking to the people who had the deer following them yesterday, we saw a large flock of Canada Geese flying over us. I… Continue reading Fort Whyte – Buffalo, Geese, Duck I finally saw deer at Fort Whyte Alive today! The sun finally showed itself today after over 2 weeks of cloud & rain. I mentioned before that I would be taking a client sailing at Fort Whyte and that happened on this last Tuesday. Yesterday, we started to walk around at Fort Whyte – well, actually on Monday, but I started writing about it on Wednesday. 🙂 Today, we will continue – first with more ducks. Wood Ducks on one of the floating boardwalks and then a duckling on its own – think it is a Mallard. Then a… Continue reading Fort Whyte Visit (continued)

CF Fertilisers advice and services have been specifically designed to support you in your quest for optimal nutritional stability through fertiliser planning. Soil needs to be carefully managed in order to maintain the delicate balance between nutrition, the environment and yield. CF advice helps farmers focus on using fertiliser as efficiently as possible. It is accessed via a nationwide team of FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme) qualified CF Advisers and Distributor Fieldsmen based in their local regions with an understanding of local cropping and farming issues. Nitrogen is essential for both yield and quality, optimum applications will typically double crop yields, but did you know that over application results in wasted nutrients and money? Effective Nitrogen Management produces: Yield and quality expectations met Lower environmental impact Increased farm profitability Don’t forget other nutrients make a difference… Accurately assessing the amount of Nitrogen to apply is arguably the most important nutrient decision on the farm but it is not the whole story. Crops will only use Nitrogen (N) efficiently when soil pH is correct and sufficient Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) are available. The N-Min service is the only Nitrogen test that measures both Soil Mineral Nitrogen and Additionally Available Nitrogen to accurately quantify the Total Nitrogen available during the growing season. Unlock the potential on your farm today… Our N-Calc service uses the N-Min result to more accurately assess Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS), then taking account of the farmer’s yield and quality expectations, it will calculate the optimum Nitrogen fertiliser rate for cereals and OSR. N-Cal recommendations will: Ensure farmers’ yield and quality aspirations are met Allow changes in economic circumstances to be accounted for Minimise the environmental impact of crop production Ensure every £ spent on Nitrogen is well spent. CF Fertilisers Advice Through extensive Research and Development we ensure that our products are able to deliver best in class for crop fertilisation and ultimately yield. CF Fertilisers invest annually in research projects working with facilities such as ADAS, Armstrong Fisher, TAG and Rothamsted Research. The projects we fund directly influence the advice and services we provide on farm and through our distributor network. To receive the last R&D research directly into your inbox, sign up to our ‘newsletter’ today, using the form below: For free advice and more information about this service please call out Crop Nutrition team on 0151 357 5758 or email email@example.com

On May 4, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives approved (218 to 213) their latest iteration of a bill to repeal and replace (translated as “slash and burn”) the Affordable Care Act (commonly known as “Obamacare”). Republicans touted their bill, called the “American Health Care Act,” as establishing “freedom of choice” to “freedom-loving” individuals while granting “enhanced rights” to states. Taking a victory lap following the vote, Vice President Pence thanked all the “principled lawmakers” for their support in the bill’s passage. It never fails to amaze how the Snake Oil Sellers Party (a.k.a. Republicans) with their Snake Oil Seller-in-Chief, Donald Trump, hoodwink just enough people by engaging in the cynical deliberate distortion and contradiction in the meaning of words known as “doublespeak” to actually get elected to public office, promote policies, and pass legislation. In translation from doublespeak to realspeak, “freedom of choice” means that with the bill’s elimination of a public mandate, individuals can choose not to purchase health care insurance, forgo preventative medicine, develop catastrophic ailments, and die in the street is they so choose, or they can go to a hospital emergency room for their primary care while other taxpayers pick up the tab. Freedom! “Enhanced rights” for states translates to granting states and insurance companies federal waivers to charge people with pre-existing medical conditions much higher rates than other customers, substantially increase prices for older people, and disregard the mandate to cover specified services like pregnancy care. In addition, this “wonderful” bill for “freedom-loving Americans” will cut Medicaid programs for low-income people, while allowing states to enact work requirements on Medicaid recipients. Oh, and let us not forget that the bill eliminates tax increases on the rich and super-rich as well as on the health industry. Wonderful! On the same day Republicans passed their draconian “health care” bill, Trump stood in the White House Rose Garden signing an executive order granting “Religious Freedom” to permit religious institutions with 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax exempt status to endorse or oppose political candidates, thereby circumventing the long-standing Johnson Amendment named after then-U.S. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson to promote a separation of tax-exempt religions from influencing the political process. Trump’s executive order, however, allows no such exemptions for secular non-profits. We need only look to Pence’s own principles as he thanked the “principled lawmakers” for their support. Not so very long ago when he was “serving” as governor of Indiana. Pence become an infamously-known political commodity by firing the first salvo in the war known as the “Religious Freedom Restoration” movement. He signed into law an act passed by his state legislature permitting businesses, based on their “deeply-held religious beliefs,” to refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans people, and members of all other groups that the owners consider heretical to their beliefs, judgments, and precepts. Since then, this expanding movement has gained support in state houses across the country as exemplified in Mississippi’s “religious freedom” law patterned after Indiana. And North Carolina passed its HB 2, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act (double-doublespeak), which includes a section that prohibits trans people from entering a restroom facility that differs from the sex assigned to them on their birth certificate. What “principles” are these? When translated into the language of realspeak, the “principle” holding up these “religious freedom” laws becomes clear, for it rests on a foundation of bigotry and discrimination. Other translations disclose that Reagan’s “trickle-down economics” increased the wealth gap between the very rich and the remainder of the population, and enlarged the rate of people living in poverty since the only thing that trickled down were mere scraps. Donald Trump’s promised “high and beautiful wall” will drain billions of dollars from needed programs since “Mexico will [never] pay for it,” and if built, it will be ineffective in doing what Trump said it will do. Republican-sponsored “right-to-work” laws limit the powers and collective bargaining positions of labor unions, which ultimately disempower workers. In the final analysis, leaders on the political and theocratic right, with their deployment of terms like “liberty” and “freedom” to advance their agendas perpetrate a vicious self-serving fraud on all of their constituents and congregants, except for the upper 10% in the ever-growing economic divide. Their ultimate purpose is to shrink substantially the size of government; end governmental regulation of the private sector; privatize state and federal governmental services, industries, and institutions including schools; permanently incorporate across-the-board non-progressive marginal tax rates; ensure market driven unfettered “free market” economies, which ultimately, they argue, will ensure the individuals’ autonomy. We must, however, all learn the language of doublespeak so we can translate it into realspeak. If the majority of Senators, though, go along with their House Republican colleagues and also pass the bill, and after the Snake-Oil Seller in Chief signs it, as millions of people loose their health care coverage to increasing premiums and deductibles, the doublespeak will become self-evident and reality will take hold.

By Peter Lyle DeHaan, Ph.D. The label “call center” amuses me. First, most healthcare call centers process more than just calls, embracing many forms of communication. Second, call centers are becoming decentralized. The ironic truth is that a decentralized call center is an oxymoron. This decentralization of the call center was first manifested by linking multiple centers together and more recently by extending the center to encompass home-based agents. As a result, the call center workforce is increasingly becoming geographically distributed over the city, the state, the country, or even the world. While there are many advantages in implementing home-based agents, the risks are great for those who rush into it without careful forethought and planning. Here are some considerations: Formulate a Clear Policy: At your call center, you either have agents who work from home or agents who want to work from home. Regardless, you must have a clear policy to fully address this. If telecommuting is something that you will allow, specify how and when it can occur, what the expectations are, and how agent efficacy – both qualitatively and quantitatively – will be measured. If home-based agents will not be permitted, this too needs to be stated in writing. A third option is if telecommuting will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For this scenario, provide guidelines to interested employees and establish internal evaluation criteria so the consistent determinations can be made. The bottom line is that regardless of your practice, be it that you will allow home-based agents, will never allow home-based agents, or might allow home-based agents, make a clear policy, and stick with it. Don’t subject employees to inconsistent management or unfair behavior. Have a Plan and Work the Plan: Once a plan for telecommuting and home-based agents has been established, it must be clearly communicated and carefully implemented. Adapting an indiscriminate and chaotic “plan as you go” approach quickly results in an unsettled workforce. When this happens, even the most conscientious of employees will shove their ideals of excellence aside, opting for mere survival instead. And whenever staff becomes unsure of their jobs, the best ones will leave first. Train Managers to Properly Oversee Remote Staff: Many call center managers and supervisors effectively employ the “management by walking around” style of overseeing staff. This is a common method and can be most effective when employees are centralized – and most disastrous in a distributed environment, which requires true management skills, often necessitating in advanced management training. If you want to have a distributed workforce and your manager can’t effectively handle it, then either provide him or her with the needed training or find a new manager. Don’t make employees who want to work at home suffer because of ineffective management. Avoid “Us” versus “Them”: Once a staff becomes physically separated, with some employees physically located in the call center and others working from home, an “us” versus “them” mentality can easily and quickly emerge if left unchecked. Remote staff tends to be disregarded, usually not maliciously, but often thoughtlessly. Imagine being off-site and receiving an email or text that there are donuts in the break room or being instructed to check the potluck signup sheet posted next to the time clock. Referring to remote staff as “them” and the local staff is “us,” especially by management, is a staffing disaster waiting to erupt. There are many significant benefits from having a distributed workforce and allowing agents to work from home, but if it is pursued without the proper preparation and forethought, all the anticipated advantages can be quickly erased. A bit of careful planning today will result in a better outcome tomorrow. Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is the publisher and editor-in-chief of AnswerStat. He’s a passionate wordsmith whose goal is to change the world one word at a time. [From the April/May 2012 issue of AnswerStat magazine]

Charter Silver Package – A Perfect Combination TV is one of the most-watched entertainment media since its invention. You will read and hear all those lofty claims about how the Internet has replaced the old school, stereotypical modes of entertainment especially TV, with amenities like live-streaming and watching your preferred content at your preferred time. But just look around, have you ever seen a household that doesn’t have a television? Or, a subscription to a Cable TV package? The answer is hardly any. That exactly answers how significant and mainstream is TV as an entertainment medium. In this blog post, we will guide you to subscribing to the best TV package – Charter Silver Package Price. When you subscribe to a TV package, you need to keep a few things in mind. It has to be entertainment-packed, with a brilliant channel line-up, and at the same time, it has economically priced billing options. Let’s figure out how good this choice could be. Charter Silver Package Channels Lineup Now you can enjoy unlimited entertainment and watch your favorite shows, blockbuster movies, action-packed Sports sessions, and wildly anticipated reality TV shows with Spectrum. Charter Silver package channels offer a brilliant channel line-up, covering all entertainment genres, yet at the most affordable price. Charter Silver package also includes local and premium channels. To be exact, you get to see more than 175 HD channels from the genres of Entertainment, News, and Sports. You get the lucrative feature on On Demand TV, where you can see thousands of shows as per your preference. It also includes Free Primetime on demand. You also get to watch Premium channels that include SHOWTIME® and HBO®. Monthly Billing Information You can get your hands on this amazing Spectrum TV with a variety of its packages for as low as $69.99 per month (for first 12 months), and enjoy entertainment-packed channels in crisp HD. You get to experience incredible picture quality and sound quality. There are no frustrating contract agreements and that is such a relief. Also, you can compare Charter Silver package price with other packages of a Cable TV provider out there and you can see how affordable this choice is, especially with the lucrative features that it offers. Charter TV – Your Best Choice You also get to have Charter TV App with Charter Silver package. If you scrutinize all the offered features of this package, in comparison to the other providers and their packages, you will get to know that this is your best choice. Whether it’s the number of channels, picture quality that covers even the cinematic details, convenient monthly billing schedules, service coverage area, or any possible feature, you will come to the conclusion that Charter Silver package price and channel offerings are the best. You will always find a reason to use Spectrum TV service – while there are plenty. So, choose Spectrum as your reliable Cable TV provider for the best onscreen experience that you always wanted to have. Make a choice of a lifetime and redefine your TV-watching experiences like never before!

A medical clinic will not be coming to Harrison Hot Springs, after about 25 per cent of residents shared their opposition to using additional taxes to pay for the service. Back in June, Harrison Hot Springs staff were approached by Fraser Health about the possibility of opening a medical clinic in the community. This clinic would by jointly funded by Fraser Health and the village, with Harrison residents contributing a total of $36,000 a year, paid for out of property taxes. The clinic would be open one day a week, and would have a doctor and nurse practitioner on site. As time went on, it’s possible more staff would have been added to the clinic. At the time, staff estimated the average cost would be around $20.33 a year for an average residential property of $500,000, and would represent about a 1.8 per cent increase in property taxes. To gauge community interest in the idea, the village began an Alternative Approval Process (AAP), where residents who opposed the plan would submit an official form to the village. The AAP closed on Sept. 16. At that time, the village had received 318 response forms in opposition to the project. There were also 12 forms that were considered ineligible to be counted, as they were incomplete or did not gain the consent of all owners for a particular property. “It clearly indicates to me at this particular time, using property taxes to assist in the funding of a local medical clinic is not desired,” councillor Michie Vidal said, appearing at the Tuesday council meeting (Oct. 1) via telephone. In general, council said they were surprised at the high level of opposition to the clinic. “In the last several months I was approached by many people in the community who came up to me and told me they were opposed to it,” councillor Gerry Palmer said. “I expected to hear from people who told me they were supportive of it, and I heard from no one. So that quite honestly surprised me.” Mayor Leo Facio agreed. “The whole idea was the try and keep it in-house if we could,” Facio said. “It was only going to start off with one doctor, one nurse practitioner, but of course things build up. That’s how Agassiz built up from one doctor to it now has a whole clinic.” “There are communities out there who are giving incentives beyond anything like this,” he continued. “I feel sorry that this is not moving forward, but the approval process has been carried out.” Council voted to send a letter to Fraser Health indicating they would not go through with the partnership agreement for a medical clinic in the village.

Eastey Vertical Case Transport System (VCTS) Eastey’s Vertical Case Transport System allows users to print on two sides of a case eliminating the need for pre-printed cases or expensive labeling equipment and supplies. Adjustable width settings on our standard VCTS allow users to print on cases ranging in size from 10” x 10” up to 33” x 40”. VCTS -XL allows cases ranging in size form 10” x 10” up to 48” x 40” Designed for off-line case printing, the VCTS automatically feeds blank cases through a print station that is ideal for mounting hi-resolution inkjet printers and offers the ability to print virtually anywhere on either side of the case. Open access to printheads allows for easy maintenance and quick adjustments. The VCTS also features an input hopper that can hold up to 90 flat single wall cases and can easily be reloaded by one person. The VCTS includes a programmable counter that keeps track of batch quantities, rate of operation, and elapsed run time, allowing users the ability to customize case runs. The system can be easily programmed to shut down when the maximum count is reached. The VCTS batch counter is the ideal solution for users looking to print a message on specific number of cases while eliminating the need for manual case counting. Eastey Variable Speed Conveyors Eastey’s EC1248 and EC1848 variable speed conveyors offer the quality that you have come to rely on from Eastey. The EC1248 and EC1848 conveyors offer a reliable stand-alone product transport for primary or secondary product marking, and make a convenient add-on infeed or exit feed conveyor to existing case taping or shrink wrapping equipment. EC1248 and EC1848’s design is perfect for integration with ink jet printing equipment. Each conveyor comes pre-drilled in multiple locations to easily add printer and encoder mounting brackets. The smooth drive belt provides consistent speed for reliable, scannable barcoding and product transfer. Systems include a lower shelf with holes for cable management and provide storage for supplies such as spare printheads, printer and UV LED control boxes, spare ink, and more. EC1248 and EC1848 utilize an endless belt with self-tracking V-groove for consistent alignment. The variable speed drive motor is adjustable up to 100 fpm for a variety of applications. The unit also features a magnetic control box that can be mounted on either side of the conveyor. Conveyor legs are adjustable from 20” up to 33.5”. The system is designed to keep maintenance to a minimum and provide a fast and efficient method of product transport. Eastey Flex Conveyor Proven reliable over and over again, these professional level Eastey Flexible Conveyors provide you with all the quality features needed for your day-to-day operation. They are designed and built to give you all the performance features needed to transfer your lightweight or heavy packages.. Eastey Professional Flexible Conveyors are designed with all-steel construction and designed for unmatched structural integrity. Eastey’s conveyors are adjustable in height ranging from 19.7” to 31.5” (500mm – 800mm) high, and extendable in length from 59” up to 177”(1500mm – 4500mm). The flexible conveyor design allows for 180 degree return conveyor configuration. See for yourself why EASTEY has been a leader in the shrink packaging industry for over 25 years. Globaltek Bottomless Side Belt Transfer Conveyor The Globaltek Bottomless Conveyor has variable speeds and is used in moving containers a short distance from one working/transportation conveyor to another. Designed to access the bottom side of the container for coding expiration dates, lot numbers, etc. The Gripper Belts are independently adjustable using an easy adjust handle wheel, accommodating containers up to 8″ in diameter. Globaltek Bottomless Conveyor with Tilting Capabilities & Enclosed Frame The Globaltek Bottomless Conveyor has variable speeds and is used in moving containers a short distance from one working/transportation conveyor to another. Designed to access the bottom side of the container for coding expiration dates, lot numbers, etc. The Gripper Belts are independently adjustable using an easy adjust handle wheel, accommodating containers up to 8″ in diameter. Tilting capabilities up to 45 degrees side to side. Globaltek Stainless Steel Raised Bed Sanitary Conveyor The Globaltek sanitary conveyor is intended to minimize chances of bacteria growth due to spilled product on conveying line. In order to achieve this; this conveyor features a raised table top plastic belt to avoid buildup of unwanted debris underneath the belt. For instance, this will ensure ease wipe down when maintenance and sanitation are required. This conveyor has many features built for food industry and plant specific needs in order to ensure food safety. Moreover, the food and beverage industry, this conveyor is great for; chemical, pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals industries as well. This sanitary design will save you time and effort as it will not require any disassembly like most conveyors do when cleaning is required. Eastey ERX-15 Automatic Case Erector The ERX-15 Case Erector from Eastey is designed to automatically erect and seal the bottom of your cases at production rates up to 15 cases per minute. The ERX 15 is designed to keep production and maintenance efforts at a minimum while providing fast, efficient case erecting, making the ERX-15 an ideal alternative to manual case forming. The ERX-15 Case Erector enables a single operator to form, seal, and pack corrugate cases. Operation is simple: load up to 200 cases in the case magazine hopper and set your operation to run or jog mode. Separators release the leading blank case where a series of eight vacuum suction cups hold the case in a properly formed square position. After a set of stationary flap folding bars fold both minor and major bottom flaps, the case is then transitioned and the bottom is sealed with Eastey’s proven EX tape head. The versatile design of the ERX-15 allows operators the flexibility of making adjustments on the fly without tools and easy-to-use hand tighten knobs and cranks. Need to switch case sizes? No problem, case changeover is completed in minutes for a wide range of cases as large as 19.5” in length, 19.5” in height, and 15.5” in width. Eastey Carton Former EX-CF The EX-CF Case Former from Eastey is designed for semi-automatic case forming and packing. The durable design has proven to keep production and maintenance efforts to a minimum to improve your case packing process. The EX-CF Case Former provides a fast and cost-efficient alternative to manual case forming. The EX-CF Case Former enables a single operator to form, pack, and seal corrugate cases. Operation is simple: open the case and place it in the top of the case former. Pneumatic switches activate the machine’s flap folding mechanism to fold the bottom major and minor flaps. Once the flaps are folded, the case will stay in place while the case is filled by the operator. Filled cases can then be advanced into a taper for automated top and bottom case-sealing. EX-CF Case Former offers fast and easy case size changes with adjustable hand-crank side rails to accommodate boxes 7.5” to 25” in length, 5.5” to 20” wide, and 3” tall and greater. Eastey Semi-Automatic Strapper EXS-100 The semi-automatic EXS-100 strapping machine is designed to apply a plastic strap around your packages, preventing them from opening during handling and transit. The EXS-100’s bottom seal design is an ideal solution for low to medium volume users that need additional security beyond case taping. Operating the EXS-100 strapping machine is easy and can be learned in minutes. The machine features an open cabinet design making it easy to view and change your poly strapping. The EXS-100 features electronic tension control, allowing the user to adjust the proper tension for a wide variety of packages, and the heated strap-weld sealing system ensures a secure strap. The system comes standard with four locking casters that allow for easy transportation within the facility. The EXS-100 is pre-configured to an industry standard height of 30”, making a comfortable fit for most packaging environments. Eastey Accumulation Tables Eastey’s variable speed accumulation tables are an ideal solution for product accumulation or surge back-up. Models are available in 36” or 48” diameters. Eastey’s accumulation tables are used to temporarily stop, hold, and release bottles, cans, jars, or other containers after they are filled or cleaned. Eastey’s accumulation tables are an efficient method to balance production line rates, allowing production to continue while downstream product is halted. They also facilitate product removal for packing and prevent product damage that can occur when a production line is stopped. TT36 and TT48 accumulation tables offer the quality that you have come to rely on from Eastey. A stainless steel turntable, variable speed motor, dual direction drive, and simple design make Eastey’s accumulation tables a workhorse that will stand up to your toughest challenges. Each table is framed with tubular steel to withstand even the most rugged applications. A powder coated exterior protects the machine base from abusive conditions and guarantees years of use. For food applications, an optional stainless base is available.

Healthcare Industry News: Royal Philips Electronics News Release - August 5, 2008 Philips New Handheld Ultrasound System Offers Premium Image Quality in a Portable SystemPhilips CX50 CompactXtreme is designed to help clinicians' diagnoses by providing high-quality images at the bedside ANDOVER, Mass.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) today announced the launch of its advanced handheld ultrasound system, the Philips CX50 CompactXtreme. Designed to meet the needs of cardiologists for clear diagnostic data at the bedside, the new compact system combines the image quality expected of a traditional, premium, full-size system with the convenience of portability. “Following extensive research into clinicians’ needs, we’ve designed a laptop-sized system that can help them get to patients quickly—no matter where they are in the hospital or clinic—and which can produce high quality images regardless of the difficulty of the situation at hand,” said Anne LeGrand, senior vice president and general manager, Ultrasound, for Philips Healthcare. “Clinicians told us that small, portable systems are beneficial, as long as the image quality can help them make a confident diagnosis. If poor image quality from a handheld system results in inconclusive data, repeat exams may be needed at the cost of additional time and money. The CX50 was designed to consistently deliver high-quality images, even in technically challenging patients.” The CX50 CompactXtreme, which was first showcased during Philips’ recent analyst day on May 16, features Philips breakthrough PureWave transducer, which is clinically proven to improve penetration in difficult-to-image patients and to reduce clutter so clinicians can view fine structures in excellent detail. It also features Philips XRES adaptive image processing for reduced speckle and haze inherent with ultrasound imaging. As a result, images are virtually free from noise and have extraordinary clarity and edge definition. “Philips CX50 CompactXtreme system is truly the most advanced ultrasound system available today because its excellent image quality allows us to diagnose our patients quickly and confidently at the bedside,” said Thomas Buck, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Essen, West German Heart Center, Gesamthochschule, Germany. “The combination of PureWave technology and XRES processing enables the system to deliver the same image quality as full-size systems, allowing full echo data analysis from a portable system without any compromises.” The CX50 CompactXtreme offers portability to address multiple scanning environments. Its built-in handle and battery allow users to pickup-and-go for quick responses. For added convenience, it has a cart designed specifically for the system for effortless maneuvering throughout the hospital. And a wheeled case supports easy travel to remote locations. The system features Philips intuitive user interface, iSCAN automatic optimization and on-cart quantification software (QLAB) to maximize ease of use for clinicians. The newly launched Philips CX50 CompactXtreme supports adult transthoracic and transesophageal cardiology applications. About Royal Philips Electronics Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 133,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of US$42 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2007, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter. Source: Royal Philips Electronics Issuer of this News Release is solely responsible for its Please address inquiries directly to the issuing company.

Resources - Haymik Math Helpers New and innovative math resources for the 21st century, called the “Haymik Math Helpers” each product, specifically designed for a succession of learning experiences, from pre- schoolers to years ten or eleven or for older students who struggle with maths. Using these helpers children can use both manipulative and visualisation processes to gain both knowledge and an understanding of a mathematical concept. Resources that help children to initially gain a basic overall understanding of a mathematical concept and then to progress to a more sophisticated overall understanding of strategies and techniques needed to solve problems accurately and efficiently.Representation and visualisation are the two of the most powerful tools to assist students to learn by discovery, gaining both knowledge and an understanding of mathematical concepts such as: The relationships between numbers and the quantities for which they stand, visualising the act of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and fractions and to succeed in these operations. This process helps students to develop the ability to think and reason logically, visualising a variety of approaches and clever strategies to solve mathematical problems gaining accuracy, efficiency and confidence. Our new products have been especially designed, using the latest research and information to impart knowledge and skills to equip our children for the 21st century. The method used is called Velcro learning because, it requires two parts, Representation and Visualisation the two of the most powerful tools to assist students to learn by discovery, gaining both knowledge and then to synthesise it with what they already know to construct their own understanding of mathematical concepts. Haymik Maths Helper 10 in both English and Bilingual version The 10 Frame’s helper assist children to develop an understanding of number, the way they are represented and the quantities for which they stand, Counting on, ordering, and comparing numbers up to 5 (and later up to 9). Haymik 20 number line slide rule in English and Bilingual version The benefits are its unique number line concept and visualisation process, that helps children form easy and clever strategies to solve mathematical problems, and improve their math skills. Following up on requests for Maori resources, we have designed a bilingual version. Takes children passed 20, to the next level in their number development and shows them how to work with two or more digit numbers, learning place value (tens notation), for which the Haymik Helper 30 has been especially designed. Assists children to develop a wider variety of approaches to solving mathematical problems, building confidence and enjoyment for a continuing and creative interest in maths. The H100 takes children up another level again, skip counting by 5’s and 10’s. Learning slide rule strategies and clever techniques to enhance their math skills Haymik Multipliers. ( 2 ) This set of Haymik Multipliers is to help children explore, by way of discovery, how the number system is made up. Assists them as a prelude to learning their times tables, to count up in sets i.e.. count in two’s, three’s, four’s etc. The Haymik Multipliers are not only a fun way to learn their time tables, but helps them visualise multiplication as successive addition and aids children to think more cleverly and efficiently about numbers. Haymik Fraction Helpers ( 2 ) Fractions on the number line slide rule helps children compare the relative sizes of fractions, and their equivalence. Assists students visualise the act of adding and subtracting fractions and to succeed in these operations. Help with Fractions and their conversion to decimals and percentages. Assists children to examine relationships between fractions and decimals and learn addition and subtraction facts. Unique design to help children explore and discover numbers gaining both knowledge and competence Techniques and strategies related to addition and subtraction include: • Counting (counting on or back) A useful strategy when counting on or back 1, 2 or 3 numbers. This refers to the strategy of reversing numbers so that the larger is first. E.g.. 2 + 7 to 7 + 2 (2 + 7 = 7 + 2) • Skip counting by 2, 3, and 5 form 0 and 1 Prelude to learning their times tables and helps to find doubles Using doubles and near doubles. E.g.. 7 + 8 = (7 + 7 = 14 + 1 more is 15) or (8 + 8 = 16 less 1 = 15) Turning a subtraction into an addition or an addition into a subtraction. E.g.. 13 – 6 = ? to 6 + ? = 13 Or 7 + 5 = ? to ? – 5 = 7

Every now and then, we come across lucrative discount offers on Apple products available online as well as at retail store chains. These discount offers undoubtedly attract buyers and have certainly helped the company boost the sales of its devices in India and also pocket huge profits. Apple now wants to further maximize these profits by changing its business strategy, however, the company is going in a direction that will soon make discounts on Apple devices a thing of past. It’s a questionable way to reward Indian masses for buying more of Apple’s devices – Thank you, Apple – but the idea Apple’s new country head, Michel Coulomb, is introducing major reforms in the sales strategy implemented by his predecessor and is adopting an ‘organised distribution’ model that will bring price uniformity and effectively end discounts on Apple devices. “The earlier ‘open distribution’ strategy at Apple India had created a lot of discontent amongst its offline trade partners, since the distributors would often indulge in wholesaling to achieve targets leading to rampant deep discounting online and fluctuation in prices almost every day. So much so, Apple was even considered as a discounted brand. The new country head is pulling the plug after reviewing the scenario”, a senior executive at Apple’s leading trade partner was quoted as saying by Economic Times. While there will still be special promotions online for Apple products, the days of deep price cuts seem to be over Earlier, the company’s distributors in India often used to sell Apple devices at hefty discounts and at different price points to meet sales target. Apple reportedly thinks that this practice led to a lot of disparity in the pricing of products on different sales channels and business tiers, and also created an image of Apple as a ‘discounted brand’, whose products are on sale most of the time. Apple reportedly wants to preserve its premium image, even if it may not seem like fading anytime soon, considering how expensive Apple devices are even after discounts. As part of the new strategy, Apple will now conduct business with only two distribution partners in India starting early next year, while trade deals with other partners will reportedly be terminated around the same time frame. Apple will now sell products directly to heavyweight retailers and online partners to ensure that it has more control over the pricing of its products.

Popular & Trending • Live Kenyan TV • Live Kenyan Radio Follow Us Like Us Ex-Mayor Arrested For Beating Up Wife 29 people viewed |Ex-Mayor Arrested For Beating Up Wife by Kenyans247(1): Wed 29, April, 2020 06:09am| Former Nakuru Deputy Mayor, Joseph Munyiri, was arrested on Tuesday, April 28, over allegations of battering his wife, Joyce Wangui. According to police reports, the Munyiri's charge sheet was penned as causing grievous bodily harm to his spouse. Reports revealed that the spat between the two stemmed from Munyiri selling a 32-inch television set to his friend at Ksh2,000 without his wife’s knowledge or approval on Monday, April 27. He allegedly failed to record the transaction in the books at his wife's electronic shop located in Menengai Ward, Nakuru East, upon his sale, causing her to question him over the unorthodox deal.This is reportedly what resulted in the ex-deputy mayor reigning down on Wangui with kicks and blows, causing her grievous injuries to her face including dental trauma. Witnesses further claimed that he was angered by her questioning his actions in front of his friends at the shop. “He has anger problems. While beating me up yesterday (Monday, April 27), he threatened he would kill me. He even followed me to the hospital as I went to seek treatment,” the injured Wangui told the police. “He often brags that he is the man of the house, whose authority shouldn’t be questioned by his wife. He often says he has a right to sell anything at my shop without seeking my consent,” she further revealed. The battered wife sought treatment at Nakuru Mediheal Hospital, while her spouse was whisked away to the Menengai Police Station. Munyiri had vied for Menengai Ward Jubilee Party ticket in the 2017 general election but ended up on the losing side. The incident came just weeks after the Ministry of Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr Mercy Mwangangi, announced the alarming rise in domestic violence incidents in the country. "Since the government issued the directive of the dusk till dawn curfew, gender-based violence cases have been on the rise," she revealed, adding that she had herself witnessed gender-based violence at home. 0 Shares 0 Like • For you to post content on this website you have to log in or register, it only take few minute to create account Recommended for youNandi: Gsu Officer Arrested For Allegedly Killing 71-year-old Man Over Ksh 1,600 Ex-mayor Arrested For Beating Up Wife Murkomen Jumps To Keroche Billionaires' Defence Over Arrest Order Zimbabwe Calls For Arrest Of Mugabe-era Fugitive Hiding In Kenya Sections: Religion, Environment, HistoryKe, Health, Business, Programing, Phones, Computers, Building/Architecture, Art, Graphics & Video, Events, Fashion, Sports, Forum Games, Photography, Burundi Forum, South Sudan Forum, Somalia Forum, Ugandan Forum, Rwanda Forum, Kenyans247 - Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Sande Kennedy. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. Disclaimer: Every Kenyans247 member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Kenyans247.

Here are a few ways that joining a PEO can help you support your employees without spreading yourself too thin. 1. Payroll Changes Changes to your payroll during COVID-19 may be more dramatic than you have previously experienced. Whereas before, you may have hired or terminated employees periodically, now, you may have payroll changes for several employees at one time. We take payroll off your hands so that you can be sure that the adjustments are accurate and that payroll is processed on time. You can rest knowing that your employees are paid and that any modifications here on out (as your business continues to evolve throughout and after COVID-19) will be taken care of quickly. 2. Changes to Benefits Whether you’re hoping to offer your employees better benefits for a lower price, or you want to attract new talent to ramp up your business, having a PEO on your side allows you to offer large-scale benefits, no matter the size of your company. You will also have a benefits representative who can walk you through options to fit your employees’ changing needs. 3. Employee Questions Another benefit of being part of a PEO is that your representative will be there to answer all your employees’ questions throughout the process. As your company changes, the PEO is flexible and informative, changing with you and keeping your employees informed every step of the way. This transparency and responsiveness helps employees to feel supported by your company and allows them to make the best decisions for themselves when it comes to benefits and other HR-related needs. 4. Compliance Expertise PEOs are experts in compliance when it comes to regulations such as COBRA, HIPAA, OSHA, ERISA, and others. A PEO knows what needs to be done to keep your company in compliance, preventing you from having to worry about making an unintentional misstep. You can also rely on your PEO for all compliance-related questions and concerns as they arise. 5. Employee Access to HR Information When it comes to LBMC Employment Partners’ PEO, each of your employees will have access to their own portal. This system empowers them to stay up to date on their payroll, benefits, and other company-related elements, such as employee handbooks. All your employees’ information will live in one place, allowing for quick reference and saving time for everyone on your team. Contact us today to learn how LBMC EP can take HR-related tasks off your plate so that you can focus wholly on your business’ changing needs.

Mika Yamamoto, a correspondent with the independent news agency The Japan Press, was killed Monday during clashes between opposition rebels and the forces of President of Bashar Assad, Today's Zaman reported. http://www.upiasia.com/Top-News/2012/08 ... 345553102/ Mika Yamamoto, a veteran war correspondent with the Japan Press, an independent TV news provider that specialises in conflict zone coverage, was killed in Syria while reporting, said Masaru Sato, a spokesman with the foreign ministry in Tokyo. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/au ... lled-syria Here is a useful google search of the actual japanese name: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=% ... E%E9%A6%99Half life of Mr. Mika Yamamoto, "saying people only" ◇ born in 1967, born in Yamanashi Prefecture. With the father of journalist, grew up surrounded by a lot of books and newspapers. ◇ In 1990, after graduating from Tsuru University, joined the broadcast station CS. Coverage such as disaster area of Unzen, produce documentary news program as reporters. ◇ 1996, become freelance, Japan belongs to the independent press agency. Japanese women as a reporter, covering the first Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. ◇ In 2001, Afghanistan remains from the time of the incident, "9.11", covering the fall of Kabul. NTV President Award. ◇ 2003, from the time of the outbreak of the war in Iraq, Baghdad under the bombing as a reporter covering the only Japanese woman. Special Award Award Vaughan-Ueda Memorial International Conference. Caster "Today's events" NTV (until 2004). ◇ 2009, for example, covered the Afghanistan presidential election. Report drug, and medical problems. From http://translate.google.com/translate?l ... 91013.html Here is a instant wikipedia page that documents her career and makes it all realer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mika_Yamamoto And here is some imagery: From http://www.p-system.jp/partner/cat7/cat ... t-384.html Fotoforensics seem to indicate a clear case of rainbowing for the above picture. See here: http://fotoforensics.com/analysis.php?i ... 71b.216520 Suddenly the mole on her bottom lip has faded. From http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/stor ... 57175914/1 From http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120 ... i.view-000 Two weird variants in a favorite sim-camuflage: Another botched job. And I suppose that in the mind of the propagandists female journalists make for more valuable vicsims... probably to widen the gap between "us" and male-centric islamic countries. Misunderstanding, killing "our" courageous women.

Senzime’s Interim report January – September 2019 Financial information third quarter 2019 Net sales amounts to KSEK 2,420 (155) Income after financial items amounts to KSEK -8,232 (-5,834) Earnings per share before dilution amounts to SEK -0.15 (-0.12) The most important event so far during the year was of course the FDA approval of TetraGraph in the US. We can now start sales in the world’s largest market, and I look forward to offering TetraGraph to the American Physicians. In Quarter three the launch of TetraGraph accelerated with regulatory approval in both Korea and Japan. Our distributor in Korea followed up with additional orders and 100 TetraGraph systems were ordered by our Japanese license partner. The start of sales in Japan means that we will receive a milestone payment. In Europe, intensive work is on-going to establish close and effective collaboration with key distributors in our focus countries Italy, Spain, France, the UK and Germany and the Nordic region. The employees have a great enthusiasm and the management team is complete since the first of October. I have great confidence in our senior team, which I think is one of the most important prerequisites for successfully launching a new product. In September our finances were strengthened with approximately SEK 30 million through a directed share issue. This will allow us to accelerate the roll-out of TetraGraph and to make recruitments of key staff in the US. In the last quarter of the year, the highest priority will be the United States’ launch, with the recruitment of a US General Manager who is expected to start in quarter one 2020 when the registration of our subsidiary is final. Market initiatives are already underway with exhibitions during the last quarter, both at the U.S. largest anesthesia Congress ASA's (American Society of Anesthesiology) annual meeting in October and PostGraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology (PGA) in New York in December. All the essential ingredients for a global roll-out of TetraGraph are now in place and we are ready for the amazing opportunities we are facing. Uppsala in November 2019, Pia Renaudin, CEO of Senzime AB (publ) For further information, please contact: Pia Renaudin, verkställande direktör Tel: +46 70-813 34 17, e-post: firstname.lastname@example.org Erik Bergman, CFO Tel: +46 73-58 81 59, e-mail: email@example.com TO THE EDITORS Senzime develops and markets systems, driven by unique algorithms and sensors, to follow patients ' nervous systems and electrical impulses – before, during and after surgery. The company's solution is called TetraGraph, a medical technology system that digitally and continuously measures the degree of neuromuscular blockade in the patient. The goal is improved clinical precision and simplified management in healthcare. By preventing complications and enabling healthcare professionals to follow health care guidelines and drug recommendations, TetraGraph contributes to shorter hospitalizations and lower health care costs – in a world where everyone wakes up safely after surgery. The vision is a world without narcotics-related complications. Senzime operates in growing markets that in Europe and the United States are valued in excess of SEK 10 billion. The company's shares are listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market (ticker SEZI). FNCA Sweden AB, +46 (0)8-528 00 399, firstname.lastname@example.org, is Certified Adviser for Senzime. www.senzime.com This information is insider information that Senzime AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above, on November 8, 2019, 08:45.

[from John Nichols, posted at Common Dreams] Dr. Jill Stein has some great ideas about how to create “deep system change, moving from the greed and exploitation of corporate capitalism to a human-centered economy that puts people, planet and peace over profit.” If the 2012 Green Party presidential nominee and contender for the party’s 2016 nod gets a hearing, those ideas will expand and improve the national debate. They could also strike a chord with the millions of Americans who are ready for a plan to “end unemployment and poverty; avert climate catastrophe; build a sustainable, just economy; and recognize the dignity and human rights of everyone in our society and our world.” The overwhelming response to the bid by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination suggests the potential for dissident candidacies that challenge the political, social, and economic status quo. Yet Sanders is the first to admit that he is making an uphill run against the party establishment. If the branches of the status quo within the two major parties manage to nominate Republican Jeb Bush and Democrat Hillary Clinton next year, a third-party bid by Stein could attract significant support. The question is whether Stein, who this week formally launched her second presidential bid, will gain the hearing that is necessary to realize that potential. That is far from guaranteed, because the status quo polices presidential campaigns in order to maintain itself. That policing begins with ballot-access demands that make it hard for millions of American voters to have the multi-party choices that are available to voters in Germany, Japan, France, Britain, Canada, and every other credible democracy. Even if Stein and the Greens secure every available ballot line—and they have a smart, ambitious plan for busting through the barriers—that still does not guarantee that she will be heard. This is because the status quo polices the political discourse via the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), a vehicle constructed by the two major parties to maintain their duopoly. In 2012, Stein and Green vice-presidential candidate Cheri Honkala were arrested for trying to enter a presidential debate sponsored by the CPD. This year, Stein is starting early by joining other third-party contenders who have been excluded from CPD debates as plaintiffs in a historic legal challenge to the commission’s practices. Filed by the group Our American Initiative, the lawsuit seeks to open up the 2016 debates to alternative candidates and alternative views. “The [lawsuit] from Our America Initiative, paired with the initiatives of the Free and Equal Elections Foundation, are essential to the movement for real democracy and real solutions,” explains Stein, who notes that “a majority of U.S. adults say a third major political party is needed.” But for minor parties to become major parties, and for new ideas to enter the mainstream discourse, the political process must be more open, flexible, and free. Americans of every partisanship and ideology must support open debates. Like initiatives to protect voting rights and limit the influence of big money, efforts to assure that voters have access to diverse choices and a robust discourse are not just about the mechanics of election campaigns. They are essential to establishing vital and meaningful democracy. Stein says that “the American people have the right to hear from the full spectrum of their choices, so we can begin to secure a government that is truly of, by and for the people!”

There seems to be a new variant of ransomware popping up somewhere every few months (Locky being the most recent one), with every new variation targeting more users / computers / networks and circumventing protections put in place by the defenders for their previous counterparts. The whole thing has turned into a cat and mouse game, with an increasing number of software companies and SysAdmins attempting to come up with effective countermeasures. I’ve already proposed two ways to counteract ransomware on file servers with EventSentry in part 1 and part 2, both of which take a little bit of time to implement (although I’d argue less than it would take to restore all of your files from backups). The last part of the series, remediation, offers a way to remotely log off an infected user. In this post I’m proposing a third, and better, method with the following improvements: In the first article we configured file integrity monitoring on a volume, and if the number of file modifications occurring during a certain time interval exceeded a preset threshold, the ransomware would be stopped in its tracks. In the seconds article we used bait (canary) files to accomplish the same thing. In this third installment we’ll keep track of the number of file modifications made by a user to detect if an infection is underway. To effectively defeat ransomware, we have to be able to distinguish between legitimate user activity and an infection. To date we know this: - Users add/change/remove files, but the number of changes made by a user in a short amount of time (say 15 min) is generally small - Ransomware always runs in the context of a user, and as such an infection will usually come from one user (unless things go really awry and multiple users are infected). The approach here will work equally well, regardless of the number of infections. Thus, to detect an infection, EventSentry will be counting the number of file modifications (event 4663) with its advanced threshold capabilities. If the threshold is exceeded, EventSentry will trigger an action of your choice (e.g. disable the user, remove a file share, stop the server service, …) to limit the damage of the ransomware. Here is what you need: - Object Access / File System Auditing enabled - Auditing enabled on the files which are to be protected - EventSentry installed on the server which needs to be protected This KB article explains how to configure EventSentry and enable auditing (preferably through group policy) on one or more directories. I recommend referencing the KB article when you’re ready to configure everything. Pretty much everything in the KB article applies here, although we will make a small change to the threshold settings of the filter (last paragraph of section (4)). Once auditing is setup, Windows will log event 4663 for every write access which is performed by a user. An example event looks like this: The default behavior of a filter threshold in EventSentry is to simply count every filter match towards the threshold. In our case, every 4663 event encountered would count towards the threshold. You can think of there being one bucket for all 4663 events, with the bucket being emptied whenever the threshold period expires, say every 5 minutes. If the bucket fills up we can trigger an alert. This doesn’t work so well on a file server, where potentially hundreds of users are constantly modifying files. It would take some time to come up with a good baseline (how many file modifications are considered “normal”) that we could use as a threshold, and there would still be a chance for a false positive. For example, a lot of 4663 events could be generated during a busy day at the office, thus causing the threshold to reach its limit. A better way is to assign each user their own “personal” threshold which we can then monitor. Think of it like each user having their own bucket. If a user writes to a file, EventSentry adds the 4663 event only to that user’s bucket. Subsequently, an alert is only triggered when a user’s bucket is full. Any insertion string of an event can be used to create a new bucket. We can do this by utilizing the insertion string capabilities of the filter threshold feature. Setting this up is surprisingly easy – all we have to do is change the Threshold Options to “Event”, click the “Insertion Strings” button and select the correct insertion string. What is the correct insertion string? The short answer is #1. The long answer lies in the “Event Message Browser”, which you can either find through the Tools – Utilities menu in the EventSentry Management Console or in the EventSentry SysAdmin Tools. Once in there, click on “Security”, then “Microsoft-Windows-Security-Auditing”, then 4663. You will see that the number next to the field identifying the calling user (“Security ID”) is %1. Enough with the theory, here is what you need to implement it (assuming EventSentry is already installed on the servers hosting the file share(s)): - Enable global auditing globally and audit the file share(s). See section 2 & 3 of KB 279. - Determine what action you want to take when a ransomware infection has been detected. See either section 1 of KB 279 or “Dive! Stopping the Server Service” from the previous blog post. - Create a package & filter looking for 4663 events. See section 4 of KB 279 and review the additional threshold settings below. Customizing the threshold Once you have the package & threshold filter for 4663 events in place, we need to modify the threshold settings as explained above. Edit the filter, click the threshold tab and make sure your filter looks like the one shown below: The only variable setting is the actual threshold, since it depends on how fast the particular variant of ransomware would be modifying files. A couple of things to keep in mind: - The interval shouldn’t be too long, otherwise it will take too long before the infection is detected. - Make sure the actual event log filter is only looking at 4663 events, no other event ids. With the above example, any user modifying any file (on a given server) more than 30 times in 3 minutes will trigger any action associated with the filter, e.g. shutting down the server service. Note that the action listed in the General tab will be triggered as soon as the threshold is met. If 30 4663 events for a single user are generated within 45 seconds, the action will be triggered after 45 seconds, it won’t wait 3 minutes. Bonus – Disabling a user One advantage of intercepting 4663 events is that we can extract information from them and pass them to commands. While shutting down the Server service is pretty much essential, there are a few other things you can do once you have data from the events, e.g. the username, available. You can now do things like: - Disabling the user - Removing the user from the share permissions - Revoking access to select folders for the user There are a couple of caveats when (trying to) disable a user however: - The user account (usually the computer account) under which the EventSentry service runs under (usually LocalSystem) needs to be part of the Account Operators group so that it has permission to disable a user - Disabling a user is usually not enough though, since Windows won’t automatically disconnect the user or revoke access. As such, any ransom/crypto process already running will continue to run – even if the user has been disabled. Disabling a user account from the command line is surprisingly simple (leave Powershell in the drawer). To disable the user john.doe, simply run this command: net user john.doe /domain /active:no Note that since “net user” doesn’t support a domain prefix (MYDOMAIN\john.doe won’t work), we need to make sure that we pass only the username (which is insertion string %2) and the /domain switch to ensure the user is disabled on the domain controller. Of course you would need to omit the /domain switch if the users connecting to the share are local users. The action itself would look like the screenshot below, where $STR2 will be substituted by EventSentry with the actual user listed in the event 4663: That’s it, now just push the configuration and you should be much better prepared to take any ransomware attacks heading your users way. Oh, and check those backups, would you?

Speed cameras haven’t been switched on yet - six months after they were installed PUBLISHED: 10:49 05 February 2020 | UPDATED: 14:24 05 February 2020 They call them yellow vultures - but they haven’t swooped once. Not one errant driver has been caught by average speed cameras six months after they were installed because they haven't been switched on yet. The devices were put up along the A149 between King's Lynn and Snettisham in July. Norfolk's police and crime commissioner Lorne Green said: "I gather there's been some technical problems but it's been far too long, I think it's unacceptable." The area covered includes Babingley, where the Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a collision in which his car overturned six months earlier. But some of the cameras have not yet been connected to the power supply meaning the system is not operational. Engineers have been seen connecting power cabling to the cameras on Knights Hill. A Norfolk County Council spokesman said it was not normal to "partially install" cameras. They added: "In this case we installed the cameras but it took longer than anticipated to establish the power supply. These issues have now been resolved." the county safety partnership is planning to go live with the cameras on Monday. One senior source said the cameras had already done a successful job of deterring speeders. The county council agreed to put up the cameras at a meeting days after the Duke's crash on January 17. The scheme had been under discussion for months beforehand. Councillors also agreed to reduce the speed limit from 60 to 50mph between Babingley and Dersingham. But the proposals have not yet gone out to public consultation. A council spokesman said: "A public consultation is also being launched on Friday, February 21 with proposals to implement a 50mph speed restriction on two sections of the A149. "More information will be made public in due course to ensure people know how they can let us know their views." There is no suggestion speed was to blame for Prince Phillip's crash. The 98-year-old Royal said he was dazzled by the low setting sun and pulled out into the path of an oncoming car. The Duke walked away shaken but uninjured, while two women travelling in the other car involved in the incident suffered minor injuries. Prince Phillip had been living at an estate cottage near the scene of the crash since retiring from public life in 2017. He later agreed to voluntarily surrender his driving licence. Data shows that in the six year period to the end of August 2019, there were 34 personal injury collisions recorded on the A149, including three fatal and 10 serious. The previous period was six years to the end of May 2018 in which there were 40 collisions including five fatal and 10 serious. If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Eastern Daily Press. Click the link in the orange box below for details.

Couples for Christ India (CFCI) Bangalore, organised a weekend retreat for working youth from 5 June to 7 June 2015, at Snehadaan, Bangalore. The weekend retreat started with a short introduction to the program by Jimmy Xavier, CFCI Couple from Bangalore. He acquainted the participants on what the retreat was all about, emphasizing that the program was an opportunity to shut oneself from the cares of the world and focus on Christ, for a change. He then asked the participants to write down their expectations from the retreat, which was collected by the volunteers. Aaron Lobo, CFCI Single, got the crowd together through two ice-breakers; human bingo and paint me a picture. The participants enjoyed themselves as this enabled them to interact and get acquainted with each other. This was followed by disciplinary instructions to the participants and the day came to an end. The next day began with praise and worship followed by the first teaching on the Love of the Father given by Jimmy Xavier. He spoke about how God’s love as our father, is perfectly expressed in the parable of the prodigal son. He also shared instances of his life where he found God working and showing his perfect love. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.-Rom 8:39 The participants were then split into groups where they shared instances of God’s love in their life. The second teaching, given by Kim Xavier, spoke about Jesus and what it means to be a Christian. She explained the uniqueness of Jesus and interesting facts about him and his life on earth in a way that absorbed the participant’s attention. Following this, the participants split into the same groups where they shared who they felt Jesus was to them. Post lunch, the session on Sin was given by Biron D’Souza. He presented an overview of the Ten Commandments, the sins that correspond to not obeying each of these commandments, and the differences between venial and mortal sins. This allowed the participants to introspect and identify areas of sin in their lives that they were unaware of. The participants were also encouraged to spend time at the Blessed Sacrament so they could introspect and ask God to reveal areas of sin that were ignored. After this, the participants split into groups as they shared the areas of sin that they discovered through the talk and ways they would actively make efforts to overcome them. After dinner, the participants came together to pray the rosary. The participants walked through the campus of Snehadaan and towards the grotto of Mother Mary as they prayed the rosary. The third day began with praise and worship followed by the teaching on Faith and Repentance by Maria Laveena. She spoke on the misconception on faith and repentance and explained what they really mean. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.-Heb 11:1 The participants involved themselves and asked a number of questions regarding the same. They were then split into their groups for discussion, where they shared about their understanding of faith and repentance and how it has changed after they heard the teaching. They were also encouraged to share with the group animator, the area of sin and other areas that they were unable to share as a group. After the one on ones with the group animator, the participants were encouraged to make a good confession through the sacrament of reconciliation. This was followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Antic. The retreat ended with Praise Fest and the participants sharing their experiences during the three days. Report by Kim Elaine de Araujo, CFCI Singles Bangalore

Here’s what I love (and hate) about living a nomadic life. I’ll say it a little louder for the people in the back: HOUSE SITTING!!! What exactly is house (and pet) sitting? If people own pets, they’ll need someone to look after them when they go on their sunny vacay. That’s where I (you!) come in. So far, I’ve watched a total of 6 dogs, 15 cats, and 1 snake (but like, not all at once lol). Occasionally, someone will post a sit where all you need to do is water their garden or get their mail, but I’d say 98% of the time they have pets. I love it personally – I’d LOVE to have a cat or dog, but I don’t want to right now since I still like to travel so much. So this is the perfect way to get some animal time (aka cuddle time) in without actually having one of my own! There’s something so romantic about going off to a foreign country or place by yourself. Or at least I always thought so??? Cue movies/books like Under the Tuscan Sun, Eat Pray Love, Wild, and the like. I am such a sucker for that shit. As a hopeless romantic, nostalgic-obsessed introvert/INFP, I eat. It. Up. I took my first solo travel trip to Europe three years ago, when I was 23. I went to Greece, Ireland, and Belgium over the course of 1.5 months and ate my weight in crepes. I met a ton of other travelers by staying in hostels, which was perfect at the time, but these days I’m not as keen to share a room with 10 other travelers and pray that none of them snore. I also purposely wanted solitude and reflection time during this trip (and hostels aren’t necessarily the BEST place for that LOL). My goal wasn’t to make a ton of friends and see ALL THE THINGS like it was before – I really just wanted to meet other digital nomads (in real life/online), work on myself, reinforce healthy habits like meditation and journaling, establish myself as an online English teacher, and get my shit together with this blog. And so, I traded in people for pets and was house sitting in various locations around England from mid-June to mid-August. I spent 2 weeks in Welling (near London), 1 month in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, 1 week in Chichester, and 2 days in London. My time alone was and wasn’t exactly what I thought. Here are my main takeaways: Health problems in general suck, but having them while traveling is THE WORST. I’ve had a bad cold in Ireland, a UTI in England (and had to be on a 2 hour bus ride with no bathroom…NOT FUN, I legit was about to pee my pants in front of my whole class), and a shit ton (lol) of stomach issues (although not food poisoning, thankfully!). Sometimes, getting sick or having health issues is unavoidable, but often, very preventable! Here’s my game plan next time I travel: In my opinion, solo travel is a great way to travel when you’re an introvert – BUT I was nervous that I’d meet basically NO friends, because I can get hermit-ty and lazy as far as socializing goes. BUT – I actually met more people than when I traveled with friends! However, it was nice to be able to CHOOSE when I could make those friends, ya know? Like I could be like, mmmk, today it’s just gonna be me and my DSLR and RBF (resting bitch face), and the next day I could put on the RNF (resting nice face) instead and try to not look so pained in social situations. (And somehow that worked, although I’m sure I looked constipated at times). Which is pretty much the reason I’m qualified to do anything! No certifications or degrees needed here. Lol but really, I’ve traveled with 3 good friends in college, random people that I’ve met while traveling solo, a man friend, an old friend from high school, my mom, etc. But okay, so – here are the things that I feel like makes travel with other people and not strangling each other so much easier! [As seen from the Howth Cliff Walk – yes, you should definitely go] So I didn’t want to include this in myYou Should Probably Get Your Ass to Ireland guide because that would be really long. (But you should probably read that, too, because it’s chock full of information and hilariousness.) OKAY. So let’s talk logistics and other super duper fun things. I’d say spend like 2-3 days in Dublin (depending on what you want to do) and after that get the heck out of there! IMO it’s overpriced and overcrowded with tourists (especially Temple Bar area – avoid at night at all costs!!!!). And also – yessss I’m that girl that went to Ireland a year ago and is STILL talking about it. Ugh. But if you read on, you’ll understand why…And also, why not start off with a bang with one of my favorite places ever? Want to learn more about the logistics of getting around, currency, where to stay, etc.? Go here.

What if Bangabandhu had taken charge as Pakistan’s prime minister? History is consistently a matter of what is and what has been. It does not deal with what might or could have been. Even so, there are all those moments when we sit back and reflect on the course history could have taken in our times as also in earlier stages of the collective human experience. Would such a course have made any difference for us? One never knows, but we have just had the dubious pleasure of going through a “what if” write-up in Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, where the writer speculates on the kind of Pakistan that would have shaped up if Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had assumed office as Pakistan’s prime minister in 1971. Hardly anything revealing emerges from the reflections of the writer. His conclusions boil down to a simplistic point: That the Pakistan army would yet call the shots, that Mujib would not be able to bring about any change, that indeed his government would not last. That is a Pakistani point of view. And here, for readers, is the alternative history we might imagine here in Bangladesh, assuming of course that the military junta of Yahya Khan had not repudiated the results of the election of December 1970. There is little argument that the Awami League, prior to taking office in Islamabad, would have carried its Six Points to a definitive conclusion through incorporating them in the constitution stipulated for formulation within a period of 120 days, as mandated by the Legal Framework Order of 1970. The Pakistan People’s Party would have raised huge commotion in the National Assembly, but the Awami League would obtain the support of such West Pakistani political figures as Khan Abdul Wali Khan and Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo for the Six Points to be the underpinning of the new constitution. From the outside, Abdus Samad Achakzai, GM Syed, Nawab Akbar Bugti, and Air Marshal Asghar Khan would have supported the move, for it would mean a remarkable degree of autonomy not only for East Pakistan but also for Baluchistan and the North-West Frontier Province (today’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa). The Six Points would thus not only lead to a resurgent East Pakistan -- which the ruling AL would constitutionally rename as Bangladesh -- and Baluchistan and the NWFP, but would also lead to similar autonomy for Punjab and Sind, the two provinces dominated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s PPP. In the decentralization of power consequent upon the adoption of the Six Points, these two provinces would not wish to be left out of the mainstream of national politics. In a reconfigured Pakistan, the AL would take power in Islamabad, with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the country’s first elected prime minister. The ruling party would likely invite Wali Khan’s National Awami Party to join it in a coalition, given that it had won no parliamentary seats at the election in the West but needed to project a nationwide image for itself. The opposition, in the form of the PPP and certain right-wing elements as the Muslim League’s Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan, would make it hard for the government to carry important legislation through but would not be able to make much headway. One would see much bluster from Bhutto and frequent walkouts from sessions of the National Assembly by his party. Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would assert full authority over the Pakistan army, making certain that appropriate laws were enacted to block any move by it to undermine civilian rule in future. The headquarters of the Pakistan navy would move to Chittagong, and in line with the Six Points, a para-military force comprising Bengalis would be established in Bangladesh. The government would take measures to stop the army from carrying on with its repressive policies in Baluchistan and would likely move to inquire into abuses by the military in the province and elsewhere in the country. Under an AL government, flight of capital, and other resources from Bangladesh to West Pakistan would cease and the central government, in line with the Six Points, would meet its requirements through financial contributions from the five provinces. Cabinets headed by chief ministers would administer the provinces, with governors appointed to symbolize the provinces. The governors would not necessarily be men or women from the provinces they would preside over. An AL government would bring about fundamental changes in Pakistan’s foreign policy, with particular reference to India. Given the secular character of the party, the government would move to re-shape ties with Delhi through jettisoning the hostilities and sabre-rattling that had traditionally characterized relations between the two countries, and would not let the Kashmir problem come in the way of friendly ties. The government would continue to uphold friendly ties with China, the Soviet Union, the West, and the Muslim world. But that would be on the basis of an independent exercise of diplomacy. It is tempting to think that an AL government at the centre in Islamabad would go for striking a balance in the country’s education system, specifically by introducing studies of Bengali in West Pakistani schools and Urdu in schools in Bangladesh. The civil service would be recast to allow equal representation for educated young men and women from all over the country in the central administrative system on the basis of merit. The most important aspect of a Pakistani government-led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would be a remarkable transformation of the state into a secular entity, away from the religious moorings it had been founded on in the late 1940s. There would be serious resistance from religious extremists, who would be joined by the PPP and the Muslim League, but the change would be inexorable. In clear terms, Pakistan under an AL administration would be a loose federal structure where democratic politics, defined by healthy academic debate in parliament and outside, would be a defining factor. But, of course, a more relaxed Pakistan underscored by the powers enjoyed by its federating units would in time lead to demands for enhanced political rights by these units -- as we have observed in Scotland, Quebec, and Catalonia -- opening the door to referenda on their future. Bangladesh would likely vote to move out of the union, but Baluchistan, Sind, and the NWFP would extract more concessions from the centre to continue being part of the Pakistan state. That is alternative history for you. If Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had taken charge as Pakistan’s prime minister, the Pakistan army would not launch its genocide in Bangladesh and shame itself before world opinion. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto would not have gone to the gallows but just might have, through an exercise of politics characteristic of parliamentary government, become prime minister at some point and pushed the AL into opposition. The legacy of bitterness which has defined relations between Pakistanis and Bengalis since 1971 would not be there. All of these possibilities were put paid to on the night of March 25, 1971. Syed Badrul Ahsan is a journalist.

Travelers returning to flying after coronavirus lockdowns ease can expect a very different experience than before the pandemic hit. The International Civil Aviation Organization has issued guidelines to regulators and operators on how to restart the global air-transport system. The group, a specialized agency of the United Nations, recommends more automation and touch-free equipment in airport bathrooms. Travelers may have to get used to electronic visa forms, dropping their baggage off with a facial or iris scan and being searched while facing away from border agents. Addressing passengers’ safety concerns will be a vital step in ensuring the return to the skies that airlines are counting on to survive. Industry experts say the key will be coordinating efforts globally in order to avoid conflicting regulations that have followed previous travel stoppages, most notably after 9/11. The International Air Transport Association, which represents airlines, called for “urgent implementation” of the ICAO guidance. “Airlines strongly support it,” The ICAO recommendations include: - Staff and passengers wearing masks where available - Contact-free technology at bag drops, boarding gates and retail outlets, and self-cleaning screens at check-in kiosks - Regular cleaning of infrastructure and equipment - One-meter distancing where possible throughout airports - Revisions to boarding processes, gate areas and government regulations. Changes to border-control and customs processes to increase physical distancing - Dedicated baggage carousels for arrivals from high-risk areas Airports Council International said it welcomed the ICAO report. “While ACI World believes there is currently no single measure that could mitigate all the risks of restarting air travel, the harmonization of any new processes and procedures represents the most effective way of balancing risk mitigation with the need to unlock economies and to enable travel,” said the group, which represents airports. (Updates with IATA statement in fifth paragraph.) To contact the reporter on this story: To contact the editors responsible for this story: © 2020 Bloomberg L.P. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Background: African Americans have the highest lung cancer mortality in the United States. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of germline variants influencing lung cancer survival have not yet been conducted with African Americans. We examined five previously reported GWAS catalog variants and explored additional genome-wide associations among African American lung cancer cases.Methods: Incident non-small cell lung cancer cases (N = 286) in the Southern Community Cohort Study were genotyped on the Illumina HumanExome BeadChip. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall mortality. Two independent African American studies (N = 316 and 298) were used for replication.Results: One previously reported variant, rs1878022 on 12q23.3, was significantly associated with mortality (HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54-0.92). Replication findings were in the same direction, although attenuated (HR = 0.87 and 0.94). Meta-analysis had a HR of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.97). Analysis of common variants identified an association between chromosome 6q21.33 and mortality (HR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.33-0.66).Conclusions: We identified an association between rs1878022 in CMKLR1 and lung cancer survival. However, our results in African Americans have a different direction of effect compared with a prior study in European Americans, suggesting a different genetic architecture or presence of gene-environment interactions. We also identified variants on chromosome 6 within the gene-rich HLA region, which has been previously implicated in lung cancer risk and survival.Impact: We found evidence that inherited genetic risk factors influence lung cancer survival in African Americans. Replication in additional populations is necessary to confirm potential genetic differences in lung cancer survival across populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1288-95. ©2017 AACR. ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Posts for tag: dental injuries Half of all children will injure at least one tooth before adulthood. That's why we're joining with other health professionals this June to promote National Safety Month. As dentists, we want to call particular attention to potential dental injuries and what parents and caregivers can do to help their child avoid them. The source for a dental injury usually depends on a child's age and development level. Younger children learning to walk and run are more apt to fall, and may hit their mouth on hard or sharp surfaces. Later on, most dental injuries tend to come from contact during sports play or other physical activities. Your prevention strategy should therefore adjust to your child's age and activity level. If you have an infant starting to walk, for example, don't allow them to move around carrying a bottle, cup or other hard object that could be a source of injury if they fall. Also, keep an eye out for hard furniture or sharp-edged surfaces as they toddle around. If you have a highly mobile toddler, discourage them from climbing and jumping on furniture, tables or other hard surfaces. If feasible, pad these surfaces and sharp edges to minimize the force of impact from a collision. To prevent sports-related mouth injuries in older children and teens, your primary defense is an athletic mouthguard. Mouthguards cushion and absorb much of the force generated during hard sports contact. They should be worn for any physical activity with a potential risk for mouth injury, including practice sessions and informal play like a pick-up basketball game. A type of athletic mouthguard known as “boil and bite” is readily available in retail sporting goods stores. After purchase, it is softened in very hot water; the wearer then places it in their mouth and bites down to form a permanent impression. Boil and bite mouthguards offer protection, but they can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear. For a higher level of protection along with a more accurate and comfortable fit, a custom mouthguard created by a dentist is a more desirable option. These are based on a detailed impression of the wearer's bite, so the fit can't be beat. Both types of mouthguard need upgrading periodically in young wearers to accommodate dental development as they age. Accidents can happen, but there's much you can do to reduce the likelihood of injury to your child's teeth. Protective measures and equipment—as well as a watchful eye—can go far to help them emerge from these active, early years dentally unscathed. If you would like more information about dental safety, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Top 10 Oral Health Tips for Children” and “Athletic Mouthguards.” Once they learn to walk, there's no stopping most children. Sometimes it can be a little jarring, as when you discover your toddler on top of the kitchen counter reaching in the cupboard on tip-toes for a snack! Fortunately, children are fairly resilient. Unfortunately, they're not invincible — some of their adventures could result in physical injuries, especially to the highly vulnerable area of the mouth. Even if you've carefully “child-proofed” your home, it's still best to be prepared for mishaps. Here are 3 common dental injuries and how to handle them. Soft tissue injuries. Making contact with the ground or hard objects like furniture can injure the lips, tongue, cheeks or gums and cause bleeding, cuts or bruising. First, clean the area with clean water and a cloth or gauze as best you can, making sure there aren't any trapped pieces of tooth or dirt. Apply gentle, continuous pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding, and apply ice packs or cold compresses for swelling. Don't apply bleach, aspirin or similar medications to open wounds. If the bleeding won't stop or the wounds look serious or deep, go to an emergency room. Chipped or displaced tooth. A blunt force mouth injury can chip or push (displace) teeth out of position. In this case try to save any chipped pieces you find — your dentist may be able to re-bond them to the tooth. A displaced tooth is a dental emergency, so contact your dentist immediately. Don't try to re-position the tooth yourself unless it's completely knocked out. Knocked-out tooth. Actions to take with a knocked-out tooth depend on whether it's a permanent or primary (baby) tooth. If permanent, rinse the tooth with clean water. Handle it by the crown (never by the root) and gently place it back in the empty socket. If that's not possible, place the tooth between your child's cheek and gum (if the child is old enough not to swallow it by mistake. You can also place it in a glass of cold milk. Get to a dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible — minutes count for a successful reattachment. Conversely, don't try to put a primary tooth back in its socket — you could damage the developing permanent tooth beneath the gum line. But do see a dentist as soon as possible for an examination.

West Lafayette council rejects two developments Rezoning requests for two different developments– one for student housing, the other for general business– on Tuesday night were voted down by the West Lafayette City Council. The council denied a request to rezone to general business from office research more than 28 acres of land on the southwest side of Sagamore Parkway between Cumberland Avenue and Win Hentschel Boulevard. Prior to a 5 to 2 vote against the project named Sagamore Commons, a majority of the council members cited concerns about traffic safety and the lack of traffic signal on Sagamore Parkway. The council also rejected a rezoning that would have allowed development of the Cottages on Cumberland, a 93 unit student apartment project on 20 acres of land in the southwest corner of Cumberland Avenue at U.S. 231. The council vote was a reversal of last month’s Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission recommendation to approve the rezoning to residential from neighborhood business. The commission had gone against the planning staff’s concerns about locating student housing in the recently annexed area that was envisioned as a commercial area. Councilman Peter Bunder cited the planning staff recommendation, and questioned the lack of a comprehensive plan to develop what is now farm land. “The area plan staff had some real concerns about this,” he said. “We do not have a plan here.” Councilors Ann Hunt and Nick DeBoer echoed area plan staff concerns about over-building student housing. “I don’t see the demand for this project,” DeBoer said. Councilman Gerry Keen voted to approve both projects. “Yes, there are valid concerns,” he said. “ But I think both (projects) would have brought continuity ... and revenue to the community.” After the council voted 5 to 2 against the project, developer and land owner Steve Schreckengast withdrew a different request to rezone from residential to general business10 acres of land on the north side of Cumberland just west of U.S. 231 The vote was disappointing, Schreckengast said. “This prevents any development on that corner,” he said. “We’ll take the next couple of months and decide what we want to do.” West Lafayette hasn’t closed the door to developers, Mayor John Dennis said. “We get new businesses, whether they be small or nationally recognized corporations, come to our community every month,” he said. “However, when we have data that sometimes challenges the logic behind a project that needs to be further researched.”

Shanti Maurice Resort - Lunch & Spa Package Shanti Maurice Resort - Hotel Day Package - 2-course Lunch at the Stars Restaurant (14h00 - 16h00) - Cold towels - 1 hour Swedish or Balinese Massage at Shanti Maurice-Nira Spa - Access to Spa facilities including Sauna, Hammam and Jacuzzi - Access to Fitness Centre and Infinity Swimming Pool - Access to “Les Petits Dodo” Kids club (3-12 years old) - Complimentary non-motorised water activities - Access to one of the island’s best beaches and use of sofas & sunbeds - Free Wifi - 5-star hotel - Bar/ Lounge - Pool with Jacuzzi - Gym/ Fitness Centre - Tennis courts - Jogging Track - Water Sports Centre - Nira Spa - Kid’s club - Free Wifi - Secure Parking 10h30 - 16h00 5 hours 30 minutes Conditions & Additional info - Kid’s Club: Accessible to children aged between 3 to 12 years old - What to bring: We suggest bringing towels, hats, extra sun block cream for sun protections, cameras and swimsuits - A valid Mauritian National Identity Card or resident permit should be presented upon arrival - Failure to present a proper ID will entitle the hotel to charge the current public rate As per Deals.mu Cancellation policy Shanti Maurice Resort - Lunch & Spa Package Overview An exclusivity by Deals.mu! Innovative cuisine and sublime spa experience, this day package at Shanti Maurice will satisfy all senses. This day package provides a stylish and elegant escape for our clients with 1 hour Swedish massage, 2 course lunch from the à la carte menu at “Stars ” restaurant and the resort's facilities. You will simply fall in love with the pristine beaches, infinity pool and warmest of welcome; all accompanied by sincere service that comes straight from the heart. As part of this package you would enjoy a unique 1 hour Swedish massage in the resort's award-wining spa. Swedish massage is the manipulation of the superficial layers of the muscles against the bone. Through medium pressure, it relaxes the body, increases circulation, removes metabolic waste products, and helps you obtain a feeling of connectedness. In a relaxed setting open to ocean views and gentle breezes, as part of the day package, we offer you to enjoy a 2 course lunch at the “Stars ” restaurant. The cuisine at Stars celebrates the rich diversity of our island's history and culture. Spend the rest of your day by enjoying the many hotel facilities such as the swimming pool, health club, jacuzzi, beach facilities and the recreation center. Shanti Maurice Resort - Food & Beverages The culinary art is sacred at Shanti Maurice, an unforgettable mix of inherent and artisanal experiences. With casual beach barbeques, fine Cape-inspired dining at the ocean-front restaurant and simple, healthy fare from the Garden Wok menu, Shanti Maurice caters to the most discerning of palates. As part of this package, you will get to relish the delicious Lunch as from 12:00 Pm – 14:00 Pm served at: About Shanti Maurice Resort Shanti Maurice is a boutique lifestyle resort with an award-winning spa located on the largely untouched south coast of Mauritius. It was chosen as one of the leading resorts in the world, also featured in the list of top 100 resorts in the world, known for its unique setting, high level of services, top gourmet cuisine and amazing atmosphere. Nira Luxury Spa – One of the most spacious spas in the Indian Ocean The Shanti Maurice Nira Spa is built around an enchanting tea pavilion, surrounded by lily ponds and indigenous flower gardens. Covering over 75,000 sq. feet and comprising 25 treatments rooms, Nira Spa is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Indian Ocean. In line with the culturally referential philosophy of the resort, the treatments offered at the Nira Spa reflect the diverse Indian and African heritage of Mauritius with the superb core Ayurvedic spa being complimented by the multi award-winning African products and treatments developed by Africology.

- Latest Stories - 2017 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 100 metres - Forecast 100m Final London 2017 Justin Gatlin wins world m gold by beating Usain Bolt in the final individual race of the World Athletics Championships on the BBC.2017 come Julian Forte of Jamaica was the fastest in the heats, and the only athlete to have gone under ten seconds in the round with a personal best of 9. Japanese runner Abdul Hakim Sani Brown placed himself as a favorite and surprised many by beating Forte's teammate and World m Champion Yohan Blake , who was one of the four favored athletes to beat Usain Bolt , in the second heat. Bolt made his usual slow start, but quickly gained ground and won his heat in Both were favorites to dethrone Bolt. In the second semi-final, Yohan Blake barely held off the hometown favorite Reece Prescod , who had a sudden surge of speed in the last ten metres to take the automatic qualifying spot from Su Bingtian of China. Run into slight headwinds, the first two semis were unimpressive, slower than ten seconds. In the third semi-final, Christian Coleman surprised the world by beating Bolt with 9. Media playback is not supported on this device. Justin Gatlin tore up Usain Bolt's farewell script as he stole world m gold with the run of his long and controversial career. Bolt was left with only a bronze in his final individual m race as year-old Christian Coleman made it a USA one-two. The year-old Gatlin, twice banned for doping, came through almost unnoticed in lane seven in 9. Despite struggling for fitness and form in his valedictory season, Bolt had still been favourite to secure his 20th global gold. It was supposed to be Gatlin's year in , when the American went to the World Championships in Beijing on the back of a race unbeaten run. Bolt produced his great miracle to beat him that night in the Bird's Nest, but in the stadium where he won m Olympic gold in , he could not provide the perfect ending to a perfect career. It seems that there are the same protagonists as last year in Rio. Usain Bolt on his last big event and his challenger Justin Gatlin. The third man on the podium in Rio, Andre De Grasse, is injured, so there is place for new faces. One could be Christian Coleman who run to seasonal best this year, or Julian Forte with the fastest time in the heats. To get an impression who of the athletes have good chances to qualify for the final and which time they will run at the final, we take a closer look at the data www. For each athlete we analyzed his historical marks to predict his time for the final. Therefore we used machine learning methods for the prediction. The UK was blessed back in to host the Olympic Games and similar feelings of euphoria and pride will return for the summer of athletics. Here, we tell you all you need to know about what promises to be a special celebration of talent, and hopefully Team GB success once again in London. London's Queen Elizabeth Park will be the venue, just like it was back in , for elite level championship athletics. The decision to award the Championships to London was made back in , with the UK capital beating Doha to host the spectacle. It was London's fourth bid in 15 years to host the event. The Championships are expected to be sprint sensation and m world record holder Usain Bolt 's last at elite-level. And Team GB legend Mo Farah is also set to end his track career after the World Championships - but not ruled out continuing his marathon racing. Posted by Peta Bee Oct 5, 0. It was a huge operation behind the scenes with the team using 40 cameras — comprising 25 high-speed cameras and 15 HD camcorders — and often working through the night to produce their results. For the first time, the scientists were also able to trial micro sized cameras fitted on the vests of some athletes who volunteered to participate in the trials. Worn underneath the team kit, the lens peer out of a precise opening and does not impede performance. The cameras recorded at between and frames per second with all the finalists filmed from a range of different angles. Reaction time and performance in the very early stages of the race were shown to be clear key determinants. Yet his reaction time in the final was 0. 2017 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 100 metres Going into the competition, Elaine Thompson could be nothing but the hot favourite to win the title. She was the Olympic Champion from Rio and the world leader by a huge margin. Forecast 100m Final London 2017 the men's m final at the London World. arezzo notizie ultima ora

With almost eight out of 10 British workers saying that they are more environmentally conscious today than they were five years ago, a growing number are taking their green consciences with them to work. More than eight out of 10 people say that they recycle waste at home, and two-thirds claim they would rather walk or cycle for a journey of up to a mile than take the car. And almost half told a survey for Fujitsu Siemens Computers that they buy organic food products and one in three make a point of dealing with ethical companies. But this' enthusiasm to 'go green' now appears to be spilling over into the workplace. Almost two-thirds of those questioned make sure that they consciously save energy by turning off their PCs overnight and nearly seven out of 10 say that they already recycle paper. More than a quarter of employees have gone as far as actively lobbying their employer to implement more environmentally friendly policies, such as procurement of green IT systems, energy saving and recycling. And amid soaring fuel prices, one in four workers are also active in trying to reduce their daily fuel consumption by lift sharing with colleagues. But other research suggests that we could all be doing far more at work to protect the environment. Last autumn, a survey by environmental advice service NetRegs estimated small businesses could save as much as £1,000 per employee through such simple energy-saving measures as switching off unused lights or turning down the heating thermostat a notch. At the same time, the Government-backed Carbon Trust, which specialises in helping small firms improve their energy efficiency, calculated that such businesses throw away £1 billion each year through wasted energy. On the amount of energy commercial and industrial buildings consume for things such as heating, lighting, air conditioning, lifts and desktop computers, the UK fares badly compared with buildings in other European countries. Transport is another major issue, currently responsible, the TUC has estimated, for more than a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions. "Whilst there is still more to be done in order to close the gap between how green we are at home and at work, the results are certainly encouraging," acknowledged Fujitsu Siemens' Garry Owen. "We hope that continued pressure and awareness from this emerging group of 'green collar workers' - alongside green IT directives such as WEEE and RoHS – can only help to make many more UK businesses greener places to work over the next five years."

As a Halloween treat five of the best case studies highlighting General Kinematics’ scary good equipment have been collected for your viewing pleasure. Read the synopsis below to choose which spooky (good) story suites your interest. Thrill Level: 96% What the Critics are saying: “A dastardly tale with a harrowing end!” “One of the best features on screen of our generation…” Synopsys: In the cold of Canada, an unsuspecting gold mine finds themselves looking to increase their production volume when a screen to handle load surges appears… Thrill Level: 99% What the Critics are saying: “A truly terrifying experience” “I couldn’t handle the heat!” Synopsys: Equipment in a foundry in Brazil is faced with processing brake discs at temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. In this warm climate, one unit stands above the rest, but the question still remains: Can it handle the heat? Thrill Level: 99% What the Critics are saying: “I was on the edge of my seat” “A terrifying tale of liner removal” Synopsys: Complicated liner systems are a thing of the past, but when one company finds themselves in a struggle to replace an ancient artifact they find themselves in terrible danger. Is there a solution in sight? Thrill Level: 98% What the Critics are saying: “The crew did an amazing job” “What a facility!” Synopsys: A source separation nightmare for Texas builders leads to the building of a new C&D facility with a goal of doing the job for them… but how will it perform? Thrill Level: 100% What the Critics are saying: “What a twist!” “A story that will haunt me for years to come.” Synopsys: Through the ups and downs of over half a century, partnership really does pull through. Do these stories seem like a fantastic phantasm? Have no fear, General Kinematics equipment can take your facility from macabre mausoleum to happily haunted house. Looking to add bloodcurdling reliability to your facility and remove the dreadful downtime? You know who to call….GK!

In just seven hours, the state toll from coronavirus jumped significantly. As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, 47 Georgians had died from coronavirus, up from 40 reported at noon. The total number of cases increased from 1,247 to 1,387 over that time. The death rate from confirmed cases in Georgia remains at 3 percent. The hardest-hit hospital in the state, Phoebe Putney in Albany, on Wednesday reported its 12th death from COVID-19. It has 35 patients in the hospital with the disease, and 90 others hospitalized patients waiting for lab tests to confirm whether they have the virus. “This morning, all beds in our three intensive care units in our main hospital were filled with critically ill COVID-19 patients,’’ Scott Steiner, CEO of Phoebe Putney, said in a Wednesday statement. “We previously opened a fourth ICU to provide critical care for non-COVID patients.’’ Steiner said the financial burden on the Albany hospital is immense. The hospital is losing $30 million a month, he told CNN. Phoebe is seeing broader cooperation from other hospitals in accepting its patients, Steiner said. On Tuesday, he had said that some hospitals had refused to accept even non-coronavirus patients from Phoebe. “I am pleased that every one of our regional partners we spoke to in the last 24 hours agreed to assist by accepting patient transfers from us, when appropriate,” said Steiner. The Medical Center, Navicent Health, in Macon has recently taken some Phoebe Putney patients, including a few with COVID-19, as has Piedmont Healthcare. Piedmont, an 11-hospital health system, is running a COVID-19 “command center’’ in Columbus to centralize the nonprofit organization’s response to the pandemic. The center tracks capacity, ICU beds, supplies and critical equipment across the system, then directs resources, such as staffing and equipment, as needed to Piedmont facilities in need. Piedmont, like other health systems in Georgia, is feeling the impact of coronavirus on its facilities. Larry Ebert, CEO of Piedmont Walton, the system’s hospital in Monroe, wrote elected officials Tuesday with a desperate plea to governments to make citizens stay home, avoid crowds and most businesses, and generally keep themselves apart for the next few weeks, the Walton Tribune reported. Ebert said modeling of daily numbers across the system for COVID-19 patients, based on Georgia data, shows that if a mandatory shelter-in-place order isn’t given by the end of the week, the entire system will be at capacity with no beds available by April 9. Ethylene oxide rules eased Georgia’s controversy over ethylene oxide, a toxic gas used in medical equipment sterilization, has taken a sharp turn amid the pandemic. Ethylene oxide is a cancer-causing chemical, and leaks of the gas from sterilizing facilities have triggered community protests in two areas of metro Atlanta in recent months. The uproar followed a report by WebMD and Georgia Health News last year that identified three metro Atlanta census tracts in EPA data as having an elevated cancer risk from air pollution, largely due to ethylene oxide. Two of the tracts are in Fulton County, near a medical sterilization facility run by the company Sterigenics. The third is in Covington in Newton County, where the company BD operates a sterilizing plant. Those emissions have also led to pending legislation in the Georgia General Assembly that would require public disclosure of any unpermitted leaks or emissions. The Sterigenics plant has been closed for several months, as Cobb County demanded additional safety controls at the sterilizing plant. That closure ended Wednesday. Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce signed an executive order to let the facility operate “on a limited contingency basis.’’ The FDA had urged the Sterigenics reopening, citing the national shortage of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 crisis. Boyce told Bloomberg Environment News that “Washington has asked us to reopen the plant in the national interests.’’ The order expires at the end of the county’s emergency declaration, restricts the amount of ethylene oxide permitted on site, and requires immediate reporting of any incident at the facility. The activist group Stop Sterigenics Georgia blasted the county’s move. “The company is being rewarded for breaking the county’s laws and installing their systems without a valid construction permit,’’ said Janet Rau, president of the group. “It is deeply disturbing that the community around this facility continues to be the guinea pig for this company’s bad actions.’’ Meanwhile, the BD sterilizing plant in Covington also is seeing fewer restrictions. Georgia regulators said that after talks with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA and the EPA, the state will allow a temporary increase in the number of medical devices that BD is allowed to sterilize, and allow the company to make temporary changes to its aeration time. “These changes are necessary to ensure hospitals have enough sterilized medical devices available to treat the influx of COVID-19 patients,’’ the state EPD said. The BD changes will be in effect until 14 days after Gov. Brian Kemp lifts the state’s public health emergency over COVID-19. Rural hospitals get some help In other coronavirus news: Four Georgia rural hospitals with severe cash flow problems are getting some help from a new rural hospital fund, created amid the coronavirus crisis. From the $5 million fund in the midyear state budget, Habersham Medical Center will get $653,000, Evans Memorial Hospital $489,000, Emanuel Medical Center $373,000, and Irwin County Hospital $366,000. Their financial plight was highlighted in this recent GHN article. A fifth state senator, Lester Jackson, a Savannah Democrat and dentist, said he had tested positive for COVID-19. The first member of the chamber to publicly announce his COVID-19 diagnosis was Brandon Beach, an Alpharetta Republican, whose test results came back positive days after he attended the recent special session of the General Assembly Gov. Kemp will headline an hour-long town hall event Thursday to discuss the growing coronavirus pandemic. It will be broadcast on numerous broadcast channels in the state. It will feature interviews with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Homer Bryson, and Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King. “Georgians are eager to hear directly from their leaders on what we are doing to address the impact of COVID-19 across our state,” said Kemp in a statement. “The Coronavirus Task Force is working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of this virus, secure necessary supplies, and keep citizens informed in the days and weeks ahead.” Commissioner King urged Georgians who suspect they have been exposed to COVID-19, and/or have possible symptoms, to take advantage of the telemedicine options available to them from their health insurers instead of going in person to emergency rooms or doctors’ offices.

How to Rock the shuttle – Motorcycle Style by Hannah Ray | Nov 12, 2019 | Trips, Whitewater Feature, Zen | 1 comment So you want to go kayaking and you only want to take one vehicle. Your boating buddies are busy and the shuttle route is too far to walk. You’d rather not hitch-hike and prefer not to huff it on a bicycle. So how do you pull off a shuttle? With your motorcycle! Here’s the equipment I use to make my motorcycle shuttle happen. There’s tons of variations so use what works for you. • A lightweight motorcycle. I use a Yamaha XT250 Enduro. It’s under 300lbs, gets about 70mpg and has a short seat height so I can reach the ground with my toes (I have short legs). It’ll go 60mph easily for highway riding and has ground clearance for gravel/dirt. My previous bike was a Kawasaki Ninja 250. The Ninja worked well also, especially for highway/interstate riding, but was not great for off-highway riding. (A scooter could also work, but you may need to up your MMA routine for self-defense in scooter loathing altercations, LOL! and if the scooter can get up to highway speeds) [bigcommerce_product id=”1076″ order=”ASC” orderby=”date”] • A vehicle capable of hauling a motorcycle on the hitch. I use a Chevy Express Van 2500. (a trailer would also work but then you have to pull and park the trailer) • A motorcycle hitch carrier. I use this mototote, http://www.mototote.com/mototote-mtx-m3-motorcycle-carrier.html It’s adjustable to fit to my vehicle and comes with a loading ramp. It has worked great thus far. I can load and unload the bike myself too. • Miscellaneous, tie down straps, riding gear. The Shuttle: Head to the put in and drop off your boat, gear, and paddling buddy. Drive the vehicle with the loaded motorcycle to the take out. Unload the motorcycle and ride back to the put in. GO KAYAKING! At the take out, load your boats/gear and drive back to the put in to get the motorcycle. Repeat above if doing multiple laps. -Hannah Ray J **The video is a mash up of clips to show the shuttle process. The kayaking clips are from the Peshtigo and Four Falls in WI, the shuttle clips are from a local park in Iowa. 1 Comment Erik on November 15, 2019 at 6:08 pm You can also drop off the motorcycle at the takeout on the way up. That can get you in the water sooner if you’re going that way, as long as you can lock your boat while you motorcycle up to fetch your van. I use my bicycle and lock it with the same chain that also locks the boat. So far I carry my paddle, but want to find a lock that will work on that too Reply Submit a Comment Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

November 2019 – Singita is delighted to announce the appointment of Inge Kotze as General Manager: Conservation. Inge replaces Neil Midlane, former GM: Conservation Projects and Mark Witney, Singita’s former CEO: Conservation in the role. She will be overseeing the all-woman Conservation team, which is responsible for Singita’s Biodiversity and Sustainability initiatives, as well as its Community Partnership Programmes. “We are thrilled to welcome Inge in such a key role. Her vast experience in conservation ideally positions her to oversee Singita’s important conservation, sustainability and community partnership projects in Africa and we have no doubt that Inge will be an asset to the team,” says Singita HR Director, Angela Bosini. Inge’s most recent role was that of Senior Manager of Conservation Integration for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) South Africa’s Environmental Programmes. In her 10 years with WWF, Inge held various positions, including developing and leading the WWF Sustainable Agriculture Programme, as well as coordinating an innovative land stewardship partnership between the wine industry and the conservation sector known as the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative. Trained as a Geographer, she spent the first ten years of her career working as a researcher for the CSIR’s Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services group, focussing on sound land use, natural resource management – including invasive alien plant management, freshwater conservation planning and cumulative effects assessments. At Singita, Inge will focus on building strategic partnerships in conservation and supporting projects that promote the preservation of Africa’s biodiversity, ensuring well-functioning ecosystems across Singita’s fifteen properties in four countries. Mark Witney, former CEO: Conservation, retired in May 2019 after a remarkable 26 years at Singita in numerous roles – including overseeing the Operations and Conservation teams. Mark left a strong legacy of sound conservation partnerships which positioned Singita for growth, in pursuit of its 100-year purpose to preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations. “Singita’s values, purpose and unique product offering are in a class of their own,” says Inge. “My family and I spend most holidays exploring Southern Africa’s protected areas, so it is with pride that I join a team committed to a 100-year vision which benefits wildlife and communities in these iconic areas. I look forward to being part of this dynamic team, working closely with our non-profit partners such as the Grumeti Fund, Malilangwe Trust and Singita Lowveld Trust, contributing to long- term sustainable conservation in a meaningful way.” Inge is based at Singita offices in Cape Town. Download the full press release here>> Note to Editors: Singita is a conservation and ecotourism brand that has been preserving African wilderness for the past 26 years, offering guests exceptional safari experiences at 15 luxury, award-winning lodges and camps across six regions in four countries. In partnership with non-profit Funds & Trusts who implement strategic conservation projects in each region, Singita’s 100-year purpose is to preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations. Enquiries can be sent to Lisa Carey, PR & Communications Manager Singita, Tel: +27 21 683 3424 Email: email@example.com, www.singita.com

Can’t Drive Kids to the Mosque? Learn Quran Online by Live Tutor on Skype! Allah prescribed the five daily prayers (Salah) during the Prophet’s (PBUH) ascension to the mighty heavens above (Mairaj). Salah, the 2nd pillar of Islam, was specifically awarded a weighty status. A Prophetic hadith defines the five obligatory prayers for Muslim women and men as the difference between faith and disbelief. The very first question posed to every Muslim on Judgement Day (Yawm al-Qiyamah), will be about Salah. Since the advent of Islam, Muslims from all across the globe have addressed Allah in their prayers, using precisely the same Arabic words and movements. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is reported to have instructed Muslim men and women to pray as he prayed. The preconditions, timings, wordings, and steps of Salah, are, therefore, ditto for both men and women. This article, nonetheless, will only be addressing Muslim women. Some minor Salah-related issues that are different for males and females will be pointed out at an appropriate time, Allah-willing. Preconditions for Salah Three of these are common to all acts of worship, and six are specific to Salah. The three general conditions of validity that apply to all acts of worship: - To be a Muslim. - To be sane. - Having reached the age of puberty (Haidh/Menstruation). The remaining six conditions are specific to the validity of a woman’s Salah. - The time for prayer should have started. (Salah is invalid if offered before its fixed time) - The covering of a woman’s awrah. All of her body is awrah when praying, except for her hands and face. The scholars differed concerning showing the feet. - Purity from major (entails ghusl) and minor (entails wudu) ritual impurity (hadath). - Purity from Najasah (impurity) found on the body, clothes, or the place of prayer. - A woman should face the qiblah (Kaaba). - Intention (niyyah) made in one’s heart. A Muslim woman’s prayer is, therefore, not valid unless all these above nine conditions are fulfilled. How Muslim women offer Salah (two units/rakats of Fajr prayer) Qiyam (standing in Salah) and recitation Stand (qiyam) facing the qiblah, and make the intention for two units (rakats) of Fajr (dawn) prayer. Raise both your hands while saying Allahu Akbar (takbeer) up to the level of your shoulders or ear lobes. Whatever is recited in your Salah should be audible to you (moderate). Then place your right hand over the left, on your chest, keeping your eyes fixed at the place of prostration, (don’t close your eyes in Salah) and recite the following dua: Subhana kallahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabara kasmuka wa ta aala jadduka, wa laa ilaaha ghayruka. This glorifies and praises Allah, honoring, His blessed name and Majesty, affirming that He is the only God. Other Sunnah duas can also be recited in its place. You should continue by reciting Aoodhu billahi minashaytaanirajeem. This is recited to ask Allah to protect us from Satan. Then say Bismillah-hirRahman-nirRaheem, which means to start in Allah’s name, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. The complete recitation of Surah al-Fatiha should follow this. After this, you may recite any surah of the Quran. The recitation in the first rakat should be longer in the first rakat and shorter in the second. The recital in Fajr Salah should be longer than it is in all other prayers. Once you have finished reciting a surah, raise your hands like you did in the opening takbir and say Allahu Akbar again, before going into Ruku (bowing). Grasp your knees with your hands, making sure that your back and head are at a level. In Ruku, recite Subhana Rabbiyal-Azeem (glorifying Allah) three times or more. Then, while straightening up from Ruku, recite Sami Allaahu liman hamidah, which means that Allah listens to people who praise Him. Once standing upright, say, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (praising Allah). The next thing you do is to say Allahu Akbar and then go into sujood (prostration). When in sujood, bear in mind that you’re in closest proximity to your Adoring Lord. So respected sisters, pour your hearts out to Him while making dua in sujood. Dua is the only asset that can even change one’s destiny (Qadr) if Allah so wills. It is interesting to note that seven parts of our body touch the ground in the performance of sujood. The forehead and tip of the nose (1), palms (2), toes (2), and knees (2). Subhan’Allah. In sujood, you should say Subhana Rabbi yal-Alaa (Glorifying Allah) three times or more. Say Allahu Akbar and sit straight. In between the two sujoods, you should recite Rabbigh-firlee, Rabbigh-firlee (Asking Allah for forgiveness). After the second sujood, rise to stand while reciting Allahu Akbar and then repeat everything you did in the first rakat. That is, everything except for the duaa you prayed for starting the prayer. Tashahud/Jalsa (sitting in prayer) Once done with the second sujood of the second rakat, sit with your palms placed on your thighs and knees. While looking at your right hand, recite Atahiyyaatu Lillahi wasalawatu watayyibatu. Assalamu alayka ayyuhaNabiyyu wa rahmatAllaahi wa barakatuhu. Assalamu alayna wa ala ibaadillah hisaaliheen. It means that all praise, prayers, and good word are due to Allah, and then sends the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah on the Prophet (PBUH) and peace on us and the noble believers. Then, raising the forefinger of your right hand, recite, Ash-hadu alaa ilaaha illAllah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu (The testimony of faith, wherein we affirm the oneness of Allah, and Muhammad’s (PBUH) prophethood). Durood e Ibrahim is what you recite next. This should be followed by a dua seeking refuge from four things. Allahumma inni aoodhu bika min adhab-e-Jahannam wa min adhab al-qabri wa min fitnat il-mahyaa wal-mamaat, wa min sharri fitnatil-maseehadajjal. The four things we seek refuge with Allah from are the punishment of Hell, the punishment of the grave, the tests of life and death, and the trial of the Antichrist (Dajjal). After this, you may recite any Sunnah or Quranic duas that you prefer. Tasleem (salams to end the prayer) Finish off the two rakats of Fajr salah by saying Assalamu alaykum wa rahmat-Allah to the right, and Assalamu alaykum wa rahmat-Allah to the left. It is with this final action that the Salah of a Muslim woman concludes. Some Salah-related issues that are different for men and women Men give both the adhan and iqamah, but women don’t. (In women’s congregational prayer/Jamaat) All of a woman’s body is awrah (to be covered) except for her hands and face. Men are only required to cover the area between their navel and knees. It is permissible for women to pray (namaz) in the mosque (masjid) with men, although their prayer at home is considered better for them. For men, congregational prayer (Jamaat) is obligatory and thus best. The imam of a group of women stands in the middle of the (first) row. While in the case of men, the imam stands in the middle, in front of the first row. If a woman and a man are praying together, she should stand behind him, and not next to him. When women pray in rows behind men, the back rows are better for them than the front rows. How Muslim women offer Salah is not only about recitation and prayer rituals. It would be an injustice not to mention that khushoo (focus and humility) in prayer, is also of paramount importance. A renowned hadith of Jibrail (a.s) from the Forty Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi, can easily vouch for that. Indeed Ihsan (excellence) lies in worshipping Allah as if you see Him, for if you can’t see Him, He surely sees you.

On the heels of a city-wide bicycle movement, the Santa Monica Bike Center is introducing a variety of urban bicycle tours to help lead the charge. Located two blocks from the Santa Monica Pier, the Santa Monica Bike Center offers repair services, bike education classes, full day bicycle rentals, and comes equipped with a 24 hour secure-access bicycle station with showers and lockers for its more than 200 members, making it the largest facility of its kind in the nation. The new bike tours feature Santa Monica’s charming beach town surroundings and landmarks, and allow locals and visitors to discover Santa Monica from the unique perspective of a bicycle. “Encouraging more people to bicycle is a key element of the strategy, set forth in our 2011 Bike Action Plan. Santa Monica’s 20-year plan calls for walking, biking and transit to replace new car trips at a rate of at least 1 for 1 by 2030. ” Said Lucy Dyke, the City of Santa Monica’s Transportation Planning Manager. “Partnerships, programs and encouragement are essential to our success. The Santa Monica Bike Center is an excellent example.” The new tour program showcases the Bike Center’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship by offering exposure to the City’s unforgettable sights and attractions without the use of fossil fuels. Participating in a bike tour not only reduces one’s environmental footprint for the day, but also provides locals and visitors with an appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the “car-free” lifestyle via actual hands-on experience. More butts on bikes means less cars, less congestion, less noise and air pollution, and more smiling faces. The Santa Monica Bike Center offers a variety of tours, each with a unique route and theme. In addition to seeing world famous sites like the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade and Venice Beach, tour participants will also experience some of West LA’s favorite hidden gems. The Urban Farm Tour explores local Westside farms and gardens; the Street Art Tour will give patrons an appreciation for West Coast legal graffiti; the Sweet Spots Dessert Tour will make even the most health-conscious person feel good about indulging; and the Walking Food Tour highlights some of the best grub on LA’s urban coast. “The Santa Monica Bike Center is on the forefront of pioneering a commuter cycling culture in Santa Monica and has spurred an international appreciation for the community and its varied and accessible bicycle infrastructure,” says Abbey Beal, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for the Santa Monica Bike Center. Indeed, the tours have already been prominently featured on Brazil’s popular lifestyle and culture television talk show Estudio I; in the New Zealand Herald, New Zealand’s highest circulated newspaper; and a popular travel blog in the UK called Travelbag. The tours are a great opportunity to demonstrate that cities are not just for cars. Using sustainable transportation, the Bike Center is helping to expose residents and visitors to a different side of Santa Monica and greater Los Angeles.

Route of the week: Air Arabia’s Sharjah to Kiev service |Low-cost carrier Air Arabia is continuing to expand into the Eastern European market, with the launch of a thrice-weekly flight from Sharjah to Kiev. The inaugural flight was attended by Adel Ali, Air Arabia’s Chief Executive Officer, with special guests including the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.| - Air Arabia has started its first route to the Ukraine. From this week the airline flies three times weekly from Sharjah (SHJ) to Kiev (KBP). No other carrier currently serves the route. The 3,500-kilometre flight is one of the longest among the airline’s growing network. In two weeks the airline will celebrate its fifth anniversary, having carried 10 million passengers in that time. Its fleet has steadily grown to reach 11 A320s. Cake of the Week: OpenSkies Amsterdam – New York Service |The new service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and New York John F. Kennedy Airport marks the second route for OpenSkies, which began daily flights between New York-JFK and Paris-Orly in June. Present at the cake cutting ceremony were Dale Moss (Managing Director OpenSkies), Marjorie Ames (Consulate USA in Amsterdam) and Marcel Lekkerkerk (Director Aviation Marketing Amsterdam Airport Schiphol). - OpenSkies, the all-business class subsidiary of British Airways, has started its second route this week. Following the launch of flights between Paris and New York in June, Amsterdam (AMS) will now be connected with New York JFK (JFK) six times weekly, using a 757 configured with just 64 seats in two classes (Biz and PREM+). - Alaska Airlines through its partner Horizon Air has begun operating daily flights between Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and Idaho Falls (IDA) in Idaho. A Q400 will serve the 900-kilometre route. - Allegiant Air launched two more routes this week. Eugene (EUG) in Oregon is now connected twice weekly with Phoenix/Mesa (AZA) in Arizona, while Kalispell (FCA) in Montana (also known as Glacier Park International Airport) gets twice-weekly flights to Las Vegas (LAS). As usual all flights are operated by 150-seat MD80s. - easyJet has added a new destination to its network this week. From Monday the airline has been operating domestic daily flights from its Milan Malpensa (MXP) base to Lamezia Terme (SUF) in southern Italy. Competition is provided by Volareweb, who also operate the route daily. Lamezia Terme airport, which handled nearly 1.5 million passengers in 2007, is popular with low-cost carriers and already welcomes Air Berlin, Germanwings, Niki and Ryanair. So far in 2008 traffic at the airport has grown by 4.8%. - Norwegian has started weekly operations from Oslo (OSL) to Lanzarote / Arrecife (ACE). Flights depart every Monday until 4 May 2009. - Pacific Blue, the name for Virgin Blue’s international operations, began two new routes this week from Sydney (SYD), including new daily flights to Auckland (AKL) in New Zealand. Virgin Blue Group CEO Brett Godfrey said: “Our strategy is always to look for markets that are under-served – not just in capacity but in terms of value for money. Sydney is an iconic holiday destination and Auckland is a key gateway to New Zealand and a beautiful harbour city in its own right, so it’s great to be able to offer much more affordable fares between these two cities and play a positive part in boosting tourism on both sides of the Tasman.” The other route started this week links Sydney (SYD) twice-weekly with Port Vila (VLI) on the island of Vanuatu. - TAM has begun daily flights between Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) and Lima (LIM) using an A320. The route is currently served by LAN Peru and TACA. Lima therefore becomes TAM’s 17th international destination and first in Peru. According to Paulo Castello Branco, TAM’s Vice President of Sales and Planning: “The start of service to Lima gives continuity to our strategy of expanding TAM’s international network. Offering passengers new destinations and possibilities of connections is part of our search for excellence of service, one of TAM’s three pillars of performance, together with management and technical-operational excellence.” - United Express has begun new twice daily flights between Portland, Oregon (PDX) and Klamath Falls (LMT), and North Bend (OTH). Both of these airports are also in Oregon. Services are operated by United Express regional partner SkyWest Airlines using Embraer 120 Brasilias. These services replace flights operated by Horizon Air who ended services on both of these routes on 11 October. - Virgin Blue has added a new destination to its Australian network with the start of daily flights between Melbourne (MEL) and Mildura (MQL) in Victoria. Flights will be operated by an Embraer E170 regional jet. Mildura already has 50 weekly departures for Melbourne, shared between Regional Express (24 weekly departures) and Qantas (26 weekly departures). Scheduled flight time is just 60 minutes. Virgin Blue CCO Stefan Pichler commented: “We chose Mildura to be Virgin Blue’s newest regional destination as it ticked all the boxes in terms of population base, existing airport infrastructure, tourism growth potential and also largely thanks to a pro-active and supportive council and business community who encouraged Virgin Blue to bring its services to the Sunraysia region.” To see the latest information we have on routes that have recently been dropped or soon will be, check out our unique downloadable Route Recycle Bin spreadsheet. We currently have over 390 routes in our database which may be of interest to carriers.