The world of branding is changing fast and brand managers are struggling to keep pace. They face mounting pressures from stakeholders to perform better in the midst of more aggressive competitive attack and rapid changes in customer needs, a burden further compounded by the volatile financial economy, the accelerating speed of technological progress, stronger demand for companies to account for their social responsibility, and the emergence of the networked society. Some brands have not survived these challenges, but might have if they had been managed with greater speed, flexibility and foresight. This article outlines the main challenges facing brand managers in a rapidly changing world.
Brand Management Challenges
It is now absolutely clear that product parity is impossible to avoid. With the availability of technology and ease of accessibility to various processes and procedures, any product can be replicated within a short timeframe and product differentiation is no longer a competitive advantage. This has triggered an architecture swing away from product branding to corporate branding, where differentiation is easier to accomplish, but where overall control of the brand image is more difficult.
The lure of corporate branding remains strong however, as not only can products be copied, but most business activities and developments too, and this leads to the conclusion that the only viable long term competitive advantage companies can rely on is a strong brand. A company’s brand image cannot be replicated in its entirety by competitors, and the stronger a brand image is the stronger its differentiation, alongside other benefits. For instance, if a brand is strategically well managed and differentiated it is more likely to develop a strong emotional relationship over time with customers, enjoy their trust and loyalty, and grow in financial value. To reap these benefits brand managers have to do three basic things very well – understand customers, give them what they want, and be their friend.
Successful global brands like Apple do all three, achieving strong emotional connections with customers by understanding their needs and wants, and delivering on these with speed, agility and innovative design, and generating pure desire. Others like Zara, the ‘instant fashion’ brand, achieve the same emotional result by impeccably managing the supply chain to give consumers more options and opportunities to shop, by moving from design to in-store availability in 5-6 weeks compared to the average industry norm of 4-6 months. This brings customers in to Zara stores an average of 17 times compared to the industry’s 3-4 per annum. They love the brand and the sense of exclusivity it gives them at affordable prices.
Successful brands are also better at creating and sustaining a distinct positioning in the minds of their customers. Multiple positioning strategies are available, but there is a growing trend towards addressing ethical and environmental concerns as a sound platform as a direct result of global concern from consumers who demand of corporations that they and their brands become more socially responsible and accountable. Some companies such as Innocent Drinks have made this a part of their brand essence proposition; others, oil and gas companies in particular, have us wondering if they are really sincere about keeping their environmental brand promises.
All of the brand management issues mentioned remain significant, but the real ‘game-changer’ is that brands now have to develop their relationships with consumers through new media. A global tectonic shift has occurred in the way consumers build relationships and communicate with each other called ‘the networked society’, driven by new and innovative digital communications platforms. Commercial democratic power lies now with consumers, and for brand managers this means that they must build emotional brand strategies that connect with and are relevant to consumers increasingly online as opposed to offline.
New Media and the Networked Society
Brands are fundamentally relationships, and so the work of brand managers is always directed towards building and maintaining really good, emotionally sustainable relationships with customers. Essentially, this is about capturing ‘share of heart’ from which ‘share of wallet’ duly follows, as when a brand appeals to the hearts of people they usually become loyal and happy customers and, importantly, brand advocates.
The traditional means of relationship-building for brand management has relied on communicating directly with the consumer via advertising and promotion but this has changed as fast as the networked society has grown. The rapid progress in Internet technology has totally changed the way in which people communicate and develop their friendships and relationships. That same trend has also generated more innovative options available for brands to establish and cultivate their relationships with their customers, but this has not made the brand manager’s job easier. On the contrary it has made it harder.
The huge global growth of social networking platforms has totally changed not only the way in which people communicate, but also how brands have to communicate with people. Facebook, for example, is so successful it now has over 400 million members but is less than five years old, and such social media platforms present brand managers with huge challenges. Whereas advertising, promotions and public relations activities tended to dominate conversations with consumers in a monologue fashion, consumers now discuss and build or destroy brands on networking sites where – and this is of critical importance – brands are not invited into their conversations. It is no longer a one way street; in fact it is not even a two way street unless brands manage to gain entry to these conversations, and often it is hard to do this, and brand managers are forced to abandon old-fashioned marketing communications plans and find innovative ways to create interesting networking opportunities for consumers that they – not the brand owners - want.
For example, Coca-Cola now makes itself available to its “fans” via Facebook, YouTube, blogs, Second Life and other digital networking platforms. Prada and Victoria’s Secret provide other examples of brand management extending beyond the physical into the virtual world of the consumer in the networked society. The brand-customer touch points have changed and this has transformed brand management.
Some Things Never Change
I have commented a lot about the changes that have taken place in the world of brand management, but some things never change. In providing customers with great experiences, it would be remiss of me not to say that relationships with customers cannot be cultivated if the brand culture of the company is weak. Building a strong brand culture is imperative in permeating the brand identity to customers. In the physical world, the Virgin Group, Philips and Intel are examples of power brands that pay strong attention to building a consistent brand culture within their organizations, whilst in the virtual world, Google (now the world’s most valuable brand) and others are doing the same. Indeed, with an appealing brand culture cascaded down to every employee, these brands are able to reach out effectively and create consistent and enjoyable brand experiences for their customers via every touch point whether online or offline. In short, branding becomes everyone’s responsibility in the organization. Given this, the CEO of every organization should rally every employee to live the brand by deploying various activities, policies and management structures to reinforce a strong brand culture.
A second constant in brand management is quality. Without top quality in product and service, any brand will ultimately fail or have significant problems, the most recent example of this being the demise of the Toyota brand image.
The third main factor that has not changed is the need for brand managers to remain strategic, while at the same time meticulously managing the day-to-day detail of brand management activities. Every touch point counts.
In conclusion, brand management has become much more challenging in this rapidly changing world. Companies that continue to manage their brands as they always have will fall significantly behind or face extinction. Those companies that stay relevant to customers, provide what they want, and engage them in ways that provide wonderful experiences will survive and succeed.
Dr. Paul Temporal,
Group Managing Director,
Temporal Brand Consulting
For more in-depth analysis and information see Paul Temporal’s new book, Advanced Brand Management: Managing Brands in a Changing World (John Wiley & Sons,) 2010


If you have been on a flight recently which has passed near a major US port, and you were occupying a window seat, you were probably amazed by the view of thousands of container ships dotted around the surrounding ocean.
Except for China, ports all over the world are facing significant congestion. The attached article, Container Availability: From Shortage To Congestion, helps explain what has happened and the Container Availability Index. There are several reasons for the current shipping container shortage, but most of them point to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic took a stronghold in early 2020, the global supply chain experienced significant disruption. Manufacturing and transportation came to a screeching halt all across the world. However, various countries and regions of the world shut down at different times. This caused a massive imbalance in shipping container availability.
Outside of the repercussions of COVID-19, another notable event that contributed to the container shortage and caused shipping delays was the blockage of the Suez Canal. Thankfully, the blockage was removed, and the canal is now accessible. However, many shippers have now begun to look into alternatives to the Suez Canal. To learn more about this, check out our article Alternatives to the Suez Canal.
Since the pandemic, China has been recovering faster than many other countries, with its export figures rebounding spectacularly after the first half of 2020. Huge volumes of previously stranded containers started to leave Chinese ports. The normal cycle and availability of containers are completely imbalanced at present with China exporting much more than it is importing, consequently overloading the ports of major importing countries such as the U.S. and Europe.
The severe U.S. port congestion has critically impacted the supply chain flow. It has resulted in President Biden stepping in and requesting the ports to operate 27/7 until the situation is straightened out.
Did you know?
- Over 500,000 containers are heading to the U.S. to be unloaded.
- Shipping stocks and ETFs are up well over 100% growth for the year, with some as high as 400%.
- Rates have gone from $2,800/container to over $20,000/container since the beginning of 2021.
The invention of the shipping container
The maiden voyage of the Ideal X and the birth of modern container shipping took place on April 26, 1956, which played a critical role in spurring the global economy.
Before 1956, the expense, risk, and frustration with ocean freight held back an expansion of the international economy. The break-bulk-loaded cargo was poorly secured and required a Tetris-like approach to handle diverse sizes of packages. Loading and unloading were particularly troublesome. Risks include delays, pilfering, damage and loss.
The modern shipping container has changed much more than one industry. It has radically transformed supply chains, fundamentally changed domestic and international economies across the world, and changed societies in the process – all the while driving trillions of dollars in annual trade. A short article from Smithsonian outlines the innovation and ultimate dominance of the shipping container.


This International Women’s Day, we are honoured to support the writing of a brilliant member of our movement, Sophie Beaton. Ms. Beaton worked as a Social Connectedness fellow in the Summer of 2018; under the guidance of Human Rights Watch, she authored a highly insightful research paper on the mistreatment of older women in the workplace. Since then, she has continued to impress us with her choice to pursue an education in law at the University of Toronto.
This particular article of hers, titled: “Never Alone, but Always Lonely: The Social Isolation of Being a New Mother” delves into the modern challenges of women as they take on the new responsibility of being mothers. Ms. Beaton calls on policymakers to make a more concerted effort to understand the social isolation that often comes along with becoming a new mother, and recommends the establishment of government programs and expanded paternity leave to alleviate this issue.
To find the full version of Sophie’s article, please read below:
Never Alone But Always Lonely: The Social Isolation of Being a New Mother
For most women, we are told that the experience of being a new mother will bring us unparalleled levels of love, joy and connectivity. While it is true that many new mothers experience all of these heartwarming emotions, there is another emotion that accompanies motherhood that appears to go unmentioned: loneliness.
Although the loneliness of being a new mother is not often discussed, the issue is pervasive. In fact, in research conducted by Action for Children, it was found that 52% of new parents felt both lonely and socially isolated. For new mothers, this sense of loneliness and isolation is hard to grapple with because it comes at a time in their life when they are actually never alone. In an article for Today’s Parent, Leah Mclaren writes: “It’s ironic, isn’t it, that the most isolated period of my life was spent with the human I loved most in the world literally strapped to my body?”
The loneliness of new motherhood can stem from a variety of sources but most commonly it is associated with feelings of disconnect from one’s past life. For instance, after giving birth, a woman becomes “shut in with her child and shut out of the workforce and the adult world.”
And even if new moms do soon return to work, the time and attention required by a newborn baby leaves the individual feeling as though there is simply no time to pursue personal interests or relationships.
In this sense, loneliness may be even more debilitating for single mothers or mothers in
low-income groups because the added responsibility of being a new parent combined with the pressure of being an essential household earner leaves no time to connect with adult family members, friends or colleagues. This is highly concerning because the level of psychosocial stress that results from high family demands and loneliness has been found to be a cause of depressive symptoms.
A vital step in alleviating the loneliness of new mothers will be to expand parental leave opportunities so that paternity leave becomes more commonplace. Firstly, paternity leave will enable mothers to return to work sooner, which will then help them reconnect to other adults as the workplace is a key arena in which adult relationships are cultivated and maintained. Moreover, studies find that paternity leave sets a precedent for more egalitarian roles early on in parenthood and often results in husbands assuming more household responsibility, providing mothers with more free time for individual pursuits.
In addition to enhanced parental leave, research conducted by the Co-op and British Red Cross shows that young mothers feel as though connecting with other young mothers would be highly helpful in allowing them to form meaningful relationships that would decrease their loneliness. To address this need, the British Red Cross has created 15 peer support groups across the country that aim to promote connectivity among individuals who feel lonely and socially isolated.
In addition to expanding services for parents, it is essential to increase the accessibility of childcare services. Enhanced daycare services are needed because it will enable mothers to
return to work sooner or free up a portion of their day, giving them more time overall. Unfortunately, reports show that “child-care costs across Canada have risen faster than inflation in 71 percent of cities since 2016, and in 82 percent of cities since 2014.” The huge expense of daycare can also contribute to social isolation as it often forces women to choose whether returning to work is economically viable given the cost of daycare and adds additional pressure to the family unit.
Given the vital role mothers play in shaping the wellbeing of subsequent generations, it is essential that policymakers make an increased effort to understand and alleviate the loneliness and social isolation that new mothers experience. To do so, it is recommended that governments implement programs and services that provide their citizens with greater connectivity and put measures in place to make childcare more affordable for families of all income groups. If these solutions are implemented effectively, mothers will then be more able to fully experience the joys of new parenthood unhindered by the emotional burden of loneliness and isolation.


In the twilight of their years, our beloved pets need more than just love and care. The last phase of their life journey may be fraught with physical challenges, making it crucial for us to understand the importance of rehabilitation for senior pets. This article serves as your comprehensive guide, helping you restore their quality of life and keeping their tails wagging happily.
Rehabilitation for Senior Pets: Restoring Their Quality of Life
Why Rehabilitation is Vital for Senior Pets
Just as in humans, aging in pets brings a multitude of health issues, from arthritis to decreased mobility. But hey, don’t let that get you down. You’ve got the power to make a significant difference, and rehabilitation is your magic wand. By focusing on specialized exercises, pain management, and adequate nutrition, we can enhance their vitality and zest for life.
Understanding the Challenges Senior Pets Face
Aging pets experience several physical changes. Their muscle mass decreases, their gait slows down, and they may find it hard to rise or jump. These can impact their ability to engage in physical activities, leading to weight gain and further health issues.
Aging can also bring about cognitive changes in pets, often seen as disorientation or a decrease in interest in their surroundings. Early intervention and rehabilitation can play a pivotal role in managing this decline and improving their cognitive health.
The Role of a Veterinarian in Rehabilitation
When it comes to rehabilitation for senior pets, veterinarians are our knights in shining armor. They help diagnose the issue, create a personalized rehabilitation plan, and monitor progress, ensuring your pet gets the best possible care.
Components of Rehabilitation for Senior Pets
Rehabilitation exercises play a crucial role in improving mobility and reducing pain. Ranging from underwater treadmills to balance exercises, these are tailored to each pet’s specific needs.
Physical therapy modalities like massage, heat therapy, and laser therapy can significantly enhance a pet’s comfort and mobility. They can reduce pain, improve circulation, and accelerate healing.
Nutrition and Weight Management
A balanced diet and appropriate weight management form the cornerstone of any rehabilitation plan. A diet rich in proteins and low in calories, coupled with the right supplements, can do wonders for a senior pet’s health.
Success Stories: Pets Who’ve Benefitted from Rehabilitation
Nothing proves the effectiveness of rehabilitation for senior pets more than real-life success stories. From the dog who regained the ability to walk post-surgery, to the cat who managed to lose those extra pounds, these stories are a testament to the transformative power of rehabilitation.
FAQs on Rehabilitation for Senior Pets
- When is the right time to start rehabilitation for my senior pet?The right time to start is as soon as you notice any signs of physical or cognitive decline. An early intervention can lead to better results.
- How often does my pet need rehabilitation exercises?The frequency of exercises depends on your pet’s specific needs. Your vet is the best person to guide you here.
- Can I do the rehabilitation exercises at home?Yes,most exercises can be done at home, but it’s best to learn them under a professional’s supervision.
- What diet should I follow for my senior pet undergoing rehabilitation?A protein-rich, low-calorie diet is generally recommended. However, the exact diet plan should be tailored according to your pet’s specific health needs.
- Are there any side effects to the physical therapies used in rehabilitation?Most physical therapies are safe and have minimal side effects. However, it’s essential to conduct them under a professional’s guidance.
- How long does it take to see improvements with rehabilitation?The timeline for improvement varies for each pet and depends on their individual health conditions. Patience is key here.
Our pets shower us with unconditional love throughout their lives, and as they age, it’s our turn to give them the care they deserve. Understanding the role of rehabilitation for senior pets and how it can restore their quality of life is a step in this direction. So here’s to making their golden years truly golden and keeping those tails wagging!


Three artists from Malta have contributed works to an art exhibition being held in Saint-Tropez this summer.
Painters Caroline Navarro and James Vella Clark, along with photographer Kurt Arrigo, were invited to join an artistic exchange between Vittoriosa and Saint-Tropez that will see their works hang alongside those of well known Tropezienne artists and sculptors at the 14th annual Salon de Peintres et Sculpteurs de Saint-Tropez.
Opening on Saturday 27 June – to coincide with the start of the Trophee Bailli de Suffren – and running to 14 July, this year’s exhibition has a distinctly nautical theme. Caroline Navarro has contributed six paintings depicting sailing yachts set against the dramatic background of Valletta and Grand Harbour, while James Vella Clark’s works focus on Malta’s architectural splendour. Kurt Arrigo, the only photographer in the exhibition, is one of the world’s top yachting photographers but here is showing images of Malta from a very different perspective – including from beneath the waves.
This collaboration between the artistic communities of Vittoriosa and Saint-Tropez shows the strengthening cultural bonds between the two historic ports, following their official twinning in 2012 – bonds that will be further reinforced by the 14th edition of the Trophee Bailli de Suffrenwhich finishes in Malta’s Grand Harbour Marina on 8 July.


The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), a Washington, D.C.-based group that represents U.S. semiconductor designers and manufacturers, announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $25.53 billion for the month of July, the highest total for the year and an increase of 5.1% over July 2012. Global sales for the month were 2.6% higher than the previous month’s total of $24.88 billion. Sales in the U.S. increased 21.5% compared to July of last year, marking the region’s largest year-over-year increase in more than two years. All monthly sales numbers were compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average.
Regionally, July sales increased on a sequential monthly basis in Japan (7.9%), the U.S. (5.4%), Asia Pacific (1.2%), and Europe (0.3%). Compared to the same month in 2012, sales in July increased in the U.S. (21.5%), Asia Pacific (7.2%), and Europe (1.1%), but fell in Japan (-18.6%), largely because of the devaluation of the Japanese yen according to SIA.
“The consistent, upward trajectory of global semiconductor sales continued in July, with the Americas showing particular strength and surging ahead of last year’s pace,” said Brian Toohey, president and CEO of SIA. “Sales increased in all regions and across every product category, and macroeconomic indicators bode well for continued growth during the remainder of 2013″


The Federal Communications commission on Tuesday eased restrictions on the ability of newspaper companies to own television and radio stations in the same market, by a 3-2 vote.
After the vote becomes effective, newspapers would be allowed to own stations within the 20 largest broadcast markets. Mergers of newspapers and broadcast stations would still be allowed in smaller markets, although subject to some regulatory constraints.
Since the so called “cross-broadcast” ownership rule was put in place in 1975, newspapers have been barred from owning a radio or television stations unless such combinations existed prior to the rule’s application, or subsequently received a waiver of the rules.
The vote to ease the newspaper ownership restrictions split the commission on party lines, with the Republicans voting for the measure, and the two Democrats offering stinging dissents. The action, and the comments by the commissioners, was a sign of the politically controversial nature of media ownership in recent years.
“We cannot ignore the fact that the media marketplace is considerably different than it was when the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule was put in place more than 30 years ago,” said FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
“Back then, cable was a nascent service, satellite TV did not exists, and there was no Internet,” Martin continued. “Indeed, the [newspaper rule] is the only rule not to be updated in the past three decades, despite the fact that FCC chairmen, both Democrats and Republicans, have advocated doing so.”
“Today’s decision would make George Orwell proud,” said FCC Commission Michael Copps, a Democrat. “We claim to be giving the news industry a shot in the arm — but the real effect is to reduce total newsgathering.”
“The FCC has never attempted such a brazen act of defiance against the Congress,” said Jonathan Adelstein, a Democrat. “Like the Titantic, we are steaming ahead at full speed, despite repeated warnings of danger. This effort may yet sink. We should have slowed down rather than putting everything at risk.”
Still, Martin’s action on Tuesday was a much more limited step than had been attempted by previous chairman Michael Powell. Unlike Powell, who attempted to ease a variety of restrictions on both newspaper and broadcast companies, Martin focused exclusively on easing the so called “cross-broadcast” ownership rule.
As described by agency staff and the commissioners, the FCC will now allow all cross-broadcast applications within the top 20 markets as long as eight major media sources remain and, if the proposed combination includes a TV station, it is not among the top four stations.
For proposed combinations in the markets 21 and smaller, there would be four additional considerations: the level of media concentration in the market, a showing that the combination will increase the amount of news, a commitment to continue separate editorial teams, and a commitment to invest in news.
But media companies would be able to circumvent these additional considerations if owners can demonstrate that their businesses are failing.
As part of the decision, the agency also legalized 42 newspaper-broadcast combinations. Of those, 36 had been “grandfathered” under the 1975 regulation, and six of those combinations have been pending since 2001. Gannett and Media General are among that later group of companies seeking to combine more recently.
“With an order modernizing [media-ownership rules], you want to minimize the divestitures that would come about” as a result of the agency’s action, said FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, a Republican who supported the change, speaking after the vote.
Powell’s June 2003 effort, which also passed on a 3-2 party-line vote, was thwarted by Congress and a federal appeals court.
The Tuesday action was in response to the decision by the June 2004 decision of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which reversed Powell’s rules and remanded the proceeding back to the FCC.
Critics of media consolidation took aim at Martin’s decision to press forward with the decision.
“Martin is ignoring the public will and defying the U.S. Senate,” said Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, an advocacy organization seeking stiffer media ownership rules. “His decision to gut longstanding ownership rules shows once again how the largest media companies — with their campaign contributions and high-powered lobbyists — are corrupting the policymaking process at the expense of local news coverage and independent voices.”
During the FCC’s meeting, Martin took the Democratic commissions’ dissents in stride. He questioned their premise that the rule was the result of a flawed agency process.
“I have attempted to respond to the legitimate issues for public comment,” Martin said, and at “each step along the way, the goal posts were moved.”
“I have come to the conclusion that it won’t ever be possible to reach consensus on the media ownership issue,” Martin concluded. And yet the agency “must respond to the court remand and to Congress, and we must provide certainty to the media industry. In sum, it is time for us to act, and today is the time.”


Global gambling regulators get award programme
Regulators around the world now have a little more incentive to be more proactive in helping to shape the gaming industry. The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), the global organisation set up by gambling regulators for gambling regulators, has unveiled a new awards programme designed to highlight those organisations that are having a greater impact in their respective regions. The International Regulatory Awards (IRA) specifically target five areas, with permanent representatives forming a panel to make the final determination of who is worthy of being singled out. The first awards are expected to be presented in September this year.
The International Regulatory Awards make their debut
IAGR will judge regulators on a number of criteria and will ultimately select a winner in five categories - International Regulator of the Year, Advanced Regulator, Regulatory Innovation, Best Regulatory Campaign and Regulatory Rising Star. The type of award and other benefits of winning are not specified. The judging panel consists of eight people, each inextricably linked to the global gaming scene. They are currently from the UK Gambling Commission, Botswana Gambling Authority, National Gambling Council of South Africa, Jersey Gambling Commission, Australian Senet Advisory, Victorian Gambling and Liquor Regulation Commission (VCGLR), Canadian Greo Company and a member of the International Master of Gambling Law. The favourite in the regulatory excellence category is the National Gambling Council of South Africa, which was involved in the creation of the exemplary Melbet Kenya App.
Catherine Myers of VCGLR is currently busy helping to bring order to the Australian gaming industry. She is the organisation's CEO as well as an IAGR trustee and is dealing with the dramatic developments surrounding Crown Resorts and the casino operator's links to money laundering and alleged criminal activity. Myers says of the new venture, "Gambling regulators have never been in greater need of innovative regulatory practices. The International Regulatory Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognise outstanding regulators who are helping to drive the industry forward. They provide a platform to promote success, share ideas and inspire other gambling regulators around the world."
All nominations welcome
While commissioners will make the final decision, they will not be responsible for scrutinising all regulators. Recommendations can be submitted by anyone, using the forms available on the IAGR website, but nominees must be supported by a significant amount of factual, verifiable data to be considered. The person submitting the recommendation should also be prepared to discuss the submission with the organisation who could contact them for details and also request a short video to support the recommendation. This video can be shown during the awards ceremony.
The inaugural awards will be presented at the IAGR meeting in September this year. It has scheduled the conference "Disrupting the Regulator - Fostering Innovation in Regulatory Practice" to be held in Boston, Massachusetts, from 12-17 September at the Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel. The event will be a big event for the gaming industry, with Tim Miller, executive director of the UK Gambling Commission, Martin Leek, senior vice president of regulation and responsible gaming in the US, and a number of others lined up to speak.


Continued growth in broadband demand may be good news for UK cable manufacturers and their continental European counterparts during the recent turbulent economic period.
A recent presentation from market insight provider Integer Research looks at the different factors currently affecting cable manufacturing across the EU-27 group of countries. On a national scale, some countries are seeing greater levels of turbulence than others, due to economic factors. But across the continent, it is broadband that offers a bright spot – something UK cable manufacturers have already seen in recent years.
Integer’s director of research Philip Radbourne presented the analysis at the recent Europacable 2012 General Assembly in Brussels. His presentation notes “sustained growth in broadband demand – FTTH (Fibre to the Home), wireless, coaxial”. The demand for cables capable of supporting streaming media at high-definition resolutions is a further growth area for Europe as a whole, it adds.
Overall, this leads Mr Radbourne to predict further investment in several types of cable solutions through until 2015, including high-bandwidth broadband, FTTH, cable solutions for electric vehicles and RF coaxial cables.


A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and choosing the right photographer to capture those precious moments is crucial. With so many photographers available, each with their own unique style and approach, the task can seem daunting. However, by asking the right questions and considering key factors, you can ensure that you find the perfect photographer to immortalize your special day.
Define Your Style: Before diving into the search for a wedding photographer, take some time to consider the style of photography you prefer. Do you lean towards traditional, posed shots, or do you prefer a more candid, photojournalistic approach? Are you drawn to light and airy images, or do you prefer moody and dramatic tones? Knowing your preferred style will help you narrow down your options and find a photographer whose work aligns with your vision.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or wedding planners who have recently tied the knot. Personal recommendations can be invaluable, as they often come with firsthand insights into a photographer's professionalism, creativity, and overall experience. Additionally, browse through online reviews and portfolios to get a sense of each photographer's work and reputation.
Review Portfolios: Once you've gathered a list of potential photographers, take the time to review their portfolios in detail. Look for consistency in style, composition, and editing. Pay attention to the photographer's ability to capture emotions and tell a story through their images. Visualize yourself in the photos – do they resonate with you? Do they evoke the feelings you want to remember from your wedding day?
Inquire About Experience: Experience is key when it comes to wedding photography. While newer photographers may offer competitive pricing, seasoned professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Inquire about the photographer's experience shooting weddings, the number of weddings they typically photograph each year, and any specialized training or certifications they may have.
Discuss Packages and Pricing: Before making a decision, discuss the photographer's packages and pricing in detail. Be clear about what is included in each package, such as the number of hours of coverage, the delivery method of the final images, and any additional services or products offered. Ensure that the pricing aligns with your budget and that there are no hidden fees or surprises down the line.
Meet in Person: A face-to-face meeting or video call is essential to gauge the photographer's personality and ensure that you have a good rapport. Your photographer will be by your side throughout the wedding day, so it's important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Use this opportunity to ask any lingering questions, discuss your vision for the day, and convey any specific requests or concerns.
Clarify Logistics: In addition to discussing the artistic aspects of photography, clarify logistical details such as timelines, backup plans in case of emergencies, and the process for securing your date with a contract and deposit. Clear communication and transparency are essential for a smooth and stress-free experience.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a wedding photographer. While factors such as style, experience, and pricing are important, it's equally important to choose someone who you connect with on a personal level and who shares your excitement for your big day. When you find the right photographer, you'll not only walk away with stunning images but also cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is a significant decision, but with careful consideration and thorough research, you can find a photographer who will beautifully capture the essence of your special day. By asking the right questions, reviewing portfolios, and trusting your instincts, you can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing that you've found the perfect person to document your love story.


An article published in The Hill’s Changing America featured LPC Lifespan’s research with UK Biobank data correlating neuroticism with Parkinson’s.
Florida State University News honors LPC Lifespan’s Co-Director Dr. Antonio Terracciano as a member of the record-setting group of 2020-2021 Fulbright Scholars.
Medical News Today article outlines LPC Lifespan longitudinal study on dementia-related personality changes.
BBC highlights LPC Lifespan’s findings on personality change during the pandemic.
NBC article cites LPC Lifespan study on the effects of weight discrimination.
NPR highlights LPC Lifespan’s most recent findings on loneliness and COVID-19.
LPC Lifespan collaborators are quoted in this New York Times article on subjective age.
In Forbe’s article on loneliness and mental health, LPC Lifespan’s study connecting dementia risk and loneliness is cited.
The U.S. News and World Report cites LPC Lifespan’s study connecting weight gain with parental perceptions.
LPC Lifespan’s study on the effect of weight discrimination on premature death is highlighted by Boston’s NPR station, WBUR.
Time Magazine reports LPC Lifespan’s study exploring differences in happiness reported by different generations.
LPC Lifespan’s study on personality and weight gain is highlighted in this article in the Wall Street Journal.


My partner and I are both experienced visual media professionals working at the top of our fields, so we’re pretty accustomed to the best quality creative work. While we knew we could trust Moshe to deliver great images of our wedding, we had no idea just how spectacularly and sensitively they would capture the exuberance and emotion of the evening. There is bound to be some positive prejudice because the images are of us, our family, and friends, but even applying our most stringent editorial and artistic critique criteria, the images simply soar. Moshe is also just a genuinely nice guy, personable and a pleasure to be around. If you’re considering your choices of photographer for any special event, you can stop looking. Bravo Moshe.
We would never have found Moshe without the help of our amazing planner, even though he lives literally one block away from us, and we are so thankful that we did. He was the first, and only photographer we met with and within the first few minutes of our meeting, we knew he was hired. We told Moshe we wanted all the shots that other photographers miss in a photojournalistic style. As few posed shots as possible and attention to the details of the wedding itself. Boy, did he ever deliver. His style, approach and work ethic matched ours to a “T” and his product speaks for itself. The only word I can use to describe our pictures is spectacular. They exceeded our expectations in every way possible. We actually just got all of the pictures from him last week and are finding it almost impossible to narrow down the ones we want to put in our album - yes, they are all that good. Feel free to interview other photographers, but in the end, there is no one who compares to Moshe.


As a Kansas City Mesothelioma lawyer, Jeffrey J. Carey works to stay abreast of recent trends in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. According to the National Cancer Institute, as many as 9,300 new mesothelioma diagnoses will occur each year for the next twenty years. Exposure to asbestos can also cause other types of lung cancer, with adenocarcinoma and other non-small cell types having a significant correlation to asbestos exposure. This is especially true for smokers exposed to asbestos as the science shows that there is a synergistic effect (enhancing effect) of combining both carcinogens. The National Cancer Center estimates that over 200,000 new lung cancer cases will be diagnosed each year. The flood of these cases places a strain on the legal system and defendants that have exposed individuals to asbestos.
This strain has been recently increased by a new trend in asbestos litigation. For many years, the cases filed were predominantly for victims of mesothelioma compared to relatively few cases of other types of lung cancer. In the past few years, however, there has been a surge of non-mesothelioma lung cancer filings. The cause for this surge is unknown. Some experts point to new medical studies and testimony that makes it easier to establish that non-mesothelioma lung cancer was caused by asbestos exposure. Some believe that this is an attorney driven trend as the advertising mega firms compete for the finite resources set aside to manage the harm caused by asbestos. Whatever the impetus, it is incumbent on your mesothelioma lawyer to be aware of the trends and be prepared to put you in the best possible position.
Mesothelioma Lawyer: Fighting for Victims
A mesothelioma lawyer is often working against large corporations. In order to manage the losses caused by their harmful products, nearly all asbestos manufacturers and many asbestos product manufacturers have declared bankruptcy. These bankruptcies, however, resulted in significant trust funds that were established to provide compensation to victims of asbestos exposure. General Motors’ recent bankruptcy, for example, resulted in a six hundred twenty five million dollar trust being established to compensate individuals exposed to General Motors’ asbestos containing products. The General Motors bankruptcy was not triggered by asbestos claims. Other manufacturers, especially raw materials manufacturers, filed bankruptcy explicitly to manage their asbestos liabilities.
There are factors working against mesothelioma lawyers and victims. Many other defendants, however, have extensive insurance policies and corporate assets that are being utilized to resolve asbestos claims. According to a respected consultant in this area, the reserves established to manage asbestos litigation have remained steady despite the recent flood of non-mesothelioma cases. Lawsuits can technically be filed anywhere in the country but there is a disproportionate concentration of cases being filed in New York, California, and Illinois. There are significant strategic reasons for mesothelioma lawyers to file in one of these jurisdictions and Jeffrey Carey has relationships that allow for filings in these jurisdictions while still having the benefit of a local mesothelioma lawyer. For living mesothelioma victims, for example, some jurisdictions offer a six month trial setting option that can result in the victim surviving to see justice done. This type of accelerated trial setting is not universally available. This is why the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is vital
There is also an increase in the number of secondary exposure cases being filed. Some individuals may develop mesothelioma and not be able to identify a workplace or environment where potential exposure occurred. With a thorough review of their personal history, however, it may be possible to identify relatives that may have brought asbestos fibers home on their work clothes (there are many documented cases of spouses washing work clothes experiencing significant exposure) or unsuspected environments where exposure has occurred. The assistance of a mesothelioma lawyer familiar with asbestos cases can be invaluable in this process.


Today we’ll be taking a quick look at the state of our market.
Home prices are up, and appreciation has been gaining momentum over the last few years. However, this is beginning to slow down because of low housing inventory. Though buyer demand remains strong, there’s not enough supply to satisfy it. This is despite the fact that there are more listings today than there have been for years.
According to an article in the World Property Journal, the slow rate of growth has done little to reverse the long-term decrease of inventory that has taken place since January 2015. In July 2017, inventory was falling at the fastest pace since 2014—12.8% year over year.
Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders, says that low amounts of construction and high land costs are fueling the inventory crisis. New construction homes have been unable to meet demand.
Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, says there will be more inventory soon. However, it may not be in many buyers’ price range.
The bottom line is that it’s a great time to sell. If you put your home on the market, you have some distinct advantages: Demand is high and competition is low. With the right strategy, you’ll be able to sell for a high price in a short amount of time.
If you’re thinking about selling, I invite you to read my free eguide. It will tell you everything you need to know about selling your home quickly and for top dollar. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.


|Space Available:||501,374 sq. ft.|
|Type:||Office - Office Building|
Located in the heart of the Burbank Media District, The Tower stands above the rest. Surrounded by some of the largest media companies in the world including The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., and Comcast/NBCUniversal, the newly renovated Tower is the preeminent vertical campus for media and entertainment companies. An iconic asset with 488,000 leasable square feet, The Tower offers panoramic views in every direction, unrivaled visibility and notable distinction. The Tower is a 31-story LEED Gold property with proximity to more than 1,000 media-related companies doing business in Burbank. Worthe Real Estate Group has transformed the project into a sophisticated, modern workplace with polished concrete floors and open ceilings. Responsive ownership, superior management and a tenant-valued environment make The Tower the ideal workplace for media, entertainment and related companies. One full block on Alameda Avenue between Maple and Kenwood, directly south of the 134 Freeway.


A fortnight from now is the final Video Game Championships of Pokémon generation five. Generation five will come to a close three years after the generation began, and two years earlier than generation four.
Although it’s had a shorter lifespan than its predecessor, that hasn’t made it any less fun. With two consecutive story lines packed into the games, it has already outstripped the previous generation in terms of content. While the Pokémon stories obviously aren’t very deep or involved, it’s nice to see something new in terms of story progression. In particular the characters who grow, learn, and change their roles according to what they learn in the first game. Namely, Cheren and Bianca, my two personal favourite characters of this generation.
While not particularly complicated, theirs is a sweet little story about growing up and learning the path you want to travel in life. Cheren with his pursuit of strength ultimately leading him to become a gym leader, and Bianca’s love for learning about, and discovering Pokémon driving her to become an assistant to the region’s professor.
I know I tend to let my imagination run a little wild when it comes to characters like this, as evidenced by the image I’ve chosen on the left. It takes me to places the creators never intended, but that at least is the truth of their place in the story. Pokémon is never going to have the kind of romantic story that I crave, so the romance between childhood friends off on an adventure together will have to stay locked up with the rest of my crazy fanboy theories.
On a more personal note, this is the third consecutive generation in which I’ve been able to keep and expand my collection of Pokémon.
My personal team is never going to win any kind of award for competitive battling but there’s a decade of history there, with my oldest Pokémon, Aniel, being ten years old now. I suppose Evil and Blade would be older if they were their original incarnations, but since you cannot transfer from the second generation to the third, they’re not really the same.
Ten years and sixty-six ribbons later I’ve done everything that’s possible to do in Pokémon, yet I’m still prepared for more. Come this October, that’s exactly what I’ll get.
Pokémon X and Y were announced at the beginning of the year by Satoru Iwata, (mostly) to the jubilation of Pokémon fans around the world. This marks a major change for the franchise which will see the games move away from the sprite based field and battles that have been a mainstay of the series since its inception, and into a fully 3D environment. Along with a new location, new characters, and a range of new Pokémon, as would be expected from a new generation.
One particular feature that is especially noteworthy for me, is customization. This has been something I’ve wanted in the games for a long time, and at last I’ll be able to change the hair colour and the attire of my trainer to more suit my personal tastes. I’m sure you’ve noticed the custom trainer sprite on my banner and in the image above, and I’d absolutely love to be able to make that a reality. Let’s just hope they have plenty of long red coats and few top hats.
My excitement is palpable, and every day that sees us receive new tid-bits of information only serves to keep me in ever increasing anticipation. Not only for the new features that the game has to offer, but for the continued adventures of the friends I’ve raised and cared for since 2003, and the new world and characters in which I can lose myself.


Weston College held an awards ceremony last week to recognise the successes and achievements of its offender learning teaching provision.
The event, which took place at Weston College’s Conference Centre, included a keynote speech by Guardian journalist Erwin James, who himself served 20 years of a life sentence for murder and has first-hand experience of the work that prison educators do and the massive impact it has on offenders.
He said: “Today was about celebrating the people who work selflessly to improve the lives of others and instil within them a sense of value.
“Prison is a transient population and teachers often don’t have the chance to see the good that they do. I will never forget the teachers who helped me during my 20 years of prison life and this event was a good chance for me to say ‘thank you’.”
Punam Khosla from the Education and Training Foundation, which engages with offender learning in 90 per cent of prisons, attended the event. She said: “Today’s event has captured the importance and impact that the work teachers, instructors and tutors have on the lives of offender learners, not only in terms of learning but also in improving their confidence and motivating them to achieve their potential.”
Weston College has delivered offender learning in prisons across the South West since winning the OLASS 4 contract in 2012. In the last six months its offender learning provision at HMP Leyhill became one of the first prisons to achieve an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted grade.


The Council for Geoscience (CGS) can confirm that an earthquake occurred on Sunday morning 06 November 2022 at around 09:29 (South African Standard Time). The earthquake registered a preliminary magnitude of 3.9 on the local magnitude scale as recorded by the South African Seismograph Network (SANSN), with a preliminary epicentre located in the Mnkangala region of Kwa-Zulu Natal, approximately 40 km north of Kokstad.
A separate earthquake occurred on Saturday 05 November 2022 at around 14:32 (SAST). The epicentre was located approximately 40 km north-east of Greytown and 30 km east of Tugela Ferry, in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. This earthquake also registered a preliminary magnitude of 3.9 on the local magnitude scale as recorded by the SANSN.
The CGS can further confirm that the two earthquakes did not occur along the same geological structure (fault), but might be inter-related on a much more regional scale. Moreover, the CGS would like to assure the South African public that there is no cause for panic. A team of technical experts is currently analysing the preliminary epicentre locations and magnitudes.
The CGS is the custodian of the SANSN which monitors seismic wave activities throughout the Country. The public is encouraged to record their experiences using the available online questionnaire. For live updates and to record your experiences, please visit www.geoscience.org.za
For media enquiries please contact Ms Mahlatse Mononela, Manager: Communication & Stakeholder Relations on email: email@example.com Mobile: 067 426 1417.


STARS OF MUSIC & CINEMA: HOMAGE TO LIZA MINNELLI
IN COOPERATION WITH THE THESSALONIKI FRIENDS OF MUSIC ASSOCIATION
1972 was Liza Minnelli’s year. She won an Academy Award for her impressive appearance in Cabaret and held a concert that was broadcast on television that received 4 Emmys. Daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, Liza - not Lisa - first appeared in films at the age of 3, in the last scene of the musical In The Good Old Summertime (1949), beside her mother and Van Johnson. After that, she appeared in 25 films and is one of the few artists to have received an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony.
This hour long concert, with the title Liza with a Z, was lost, but not forgotten, for years, in a crate at the singer’s home. After the efforts of a producer, the programme was turned into a DVD a few years ago and we will have the joy of enjoying it, presented by journalist Lefteris Kongalidis. The event is part of the educational programme of the Thessaloniki Friends of Music Association.
Directed and Choreographed by Bob Fosse, with music and lyrics by John Nader and Fred Ebb.
Supervisor- Presenter: Lefteris Kongalidis
Free admission with admission cards


Las Vegas Casino Offers $27M In Worker Bonuses Soon after $1.6B Sale
Las Vegas Casino Gives $27M In Worker Bonuses Following $1.6B Sale
The U.S. economy appears to be on the decline, but a Las Vegas casino still awarded employee bonuses as component of a quickly-to-be-completed $1.six billion sale.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Wednesday award a lot more than 5,000 of its workers with a $5,000 cash bonus, for a total bonus payment of about $27 million.
The present owner of the casino is Blackstone Group, a private equity firm situated in New York City. MGM Resorts International, based in Las Vegas, is acquiring the operations of the upscale casino on the Las Vegas Strip for a price tag of $1.six billion. The employee bonuses represent about 1.5% of the sale value.
The deal for the casino-hotel that opened in late 2010 is anticipated to close quickly.
Blackstone purchased the casino from Deutsche Bank AG in 2014 for $1.73 billion. It had previously sought a sale price tag of around $5 billion for the casino.
Following closing, MGM will enter into a 30-year lease agreement, with three 10-year renewal alternatives, with a partnership among Stonepeak Partners, Cherng Family Trust, and Blackstone Genuine Estate Income Trust, which will acquire Cosmopolitan’s actual estate assets.
“We are proud to add The Cosmopolitan, a luxury resort and casino on the Las Vegas Strip, to our portfolio,” stated MGM Resorts CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle when the deal was announced in 2021. “The Cosmopolitan brand is recognized about the planet for its exclusive buyer base and higher-good quality product and experiences, producing it an ideal fit with our portfolio and furthering our vision to be the world’s premier gaming entertainment business. We appear forward to welcoming The Cosmopolitan’s guests and workers to the MGM Resorts family members.”


I was honored to be asked for an interview recently to answer some questions about animal communication. As an animal communicator, I appreciate opportunities to offer information and examples of how animal communication can benefit our pets and strengthen our relationship with our beloved companions. That was my primary motivator for participating in the interview, however a secondary benefit is now knowing of this great blog for cat lovers. While specific to the Ragdoll breed of cat, I believe there are resources contained in the daily posts that will speak to any and all cat guardians.
Check out my interview on the floppycats.com blog, and take a look around while you are there!
Interview With Pet Talker Kelly Krueger, May 2, 2010
I look forward to working with your beloved animals for a variety of relevant topics. Schedule your animal communication consultation now for a deeper understanding of behaviors, symptoms, and quality of life.


NEET 2017: Teachers were suspended for the ‘overzealous act’ by the CBSE
Late tonight, Kannur Police registered a case under section 504 of IPC (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and section 509 of IPC (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) on the basis of a complaint by the girl student who was forced to remove her bra, police said.
Police went to the residence of the girl and recorded her statement, sources said.
Earlier, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directed the principal of the institute where the incident occurred on Sunday to apologise.
The directive for the apology came after CBSE Chairman RK Chaturvedi met Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi, two days after the incident to check cheating was reported from a school in Kannur.
The CBSE described the incident that occurred before the girl was allowed to sit for the exam on Sunday as an “overzealous” act and suspended the four teachers pending inquiry. The incident also rocked the Kerala Assembly.
In a related incident, examination officials at a school in Ernakulam in Kerala were booked for allegedly trimming the shirt sleeves of a student as part of the CBSE’s steps to curb cheating in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), held on May 7.
The CBSE, which conducts the examination at over 1,900 centres across India for admission to undergraduate medical and dentistry courses, however, defended the stringent dress code it had imposed.
It was a measure to “secure the sanctity” of the high- stake examination in which 11 lakh students vie for 95,000 seats, it said.
“The incident reported in Kannur is unfortunate and a consequence of the overzealousness of a few persons involved in the process. However, the inconvenience caused to the students inadvertently in the process is regretted by the Board,” CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma said in New Delhi.
Sharma said the principal had been directed to apologise to the candidate who was made to remove her bra and added that the Board would “sensitise” the frisking staff at exam centres to prevent such incidents.| Read full story


I’m Danielle – a freelance journalist with four years’ experience in magazine writing, copywriting, blogging and SEO.
I have an MA in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Kent, as well as an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.
My areas of expertise include lifestyle, property, money saving and food. However, I’ve also created specialist content for marketing companies and ‘from scratch’ copy for new websites.
You can check out some of the work I’m most proud of by clicking the ‘My Work’ tab at the top of the site.
If you’re looking for a multimedia journalist with experience in both print and online media, give me a shout.


BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- Mayor Venezia will once again provide turkey’s including other Thanksgiving related food to members of the community in need. The giveaway will take place on Sunday, November 21 in the back parking lot of the Municipal building between 9:30am-11:30am.
“Every year, we take part in this tradition of giving away Thanksgiving meals to families in need in Bloomfield,” said Mayor Venezia. “Last year, we gave away meals to 870 families during the height of the pandemic when it was needed more than ever. I would like to thank our Human Service Division for their work in making this important event possible.”
The Human Service Division is currently registering residents by phone at 973-259-3152; however, residents may also register online at https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/FormCenter/Health-Human-Services-6/Mayor-and-Councils-Annual-Turkey-Giveawa-78.
Rain or shine the Mayor and Council will be outside distributing food so that families have what they need to make the holiday special.


Cox Media Group is hiring an experienced Media Sales Account Executive to be based out of Seattle, WA supporting KIRO CBS 7. The Account Executive is responsible for generating media revenue to meet or exceed predetermined goals by working with key advertising agencies, prospecting local businesses, presenting sales proposals, closing the sale and providing continuous customer service. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
You will service and secure mutually beneficial relationships with various local agencies, businesses and individuals that have a desire to reach their target audience through our various advertising channels and services. This position will be work-from-home while local Covid restrictions are in place, afterwards, it will be office based with in-person visits to potential clients in the Seattle DMA Area.
If you have at least 2 years of recent media sales in TV or radio, with experience in prospecting, creating, developing, and maintaining business, a valid U.S. driver's license, and top notch presentation skills, than we want you to apply today!
Cox Media Group Offers:
Once you apply, check your phone and email for messages about scheduling a preliminary phone interview if you meet minimum requirements. Don't forget to listen to voicemails and check your spam folder, just in case!What we look forRequirements:
- Compensation is based on the individual's experience with a 6 month pay guarantee while you ramp up, afterwards monthly commission and yearly bonus
- Comprehensive benefits including: medical, dental, vision, pharmacy benefits, 401k and Roth IRA plans available, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, insurance and disability plans, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, and more!
- Growth opportunities and training
- Minimum 2 years of media sales experience in TV or radio
- Understanding of marketing and experience negotiating with advertising agencies
- Strong command of online display advertising, streaming video, social and search marketing
- Experience in prospecting, creating and developing business
- Bachelor's degree is highly preferred, but will accept those with equivalent experience
- No non-compete with other broadcast outlets
- Valid U.S. driver's license and reliable transportation to visit potential clients (once Covid restrictions are lifted)
- Advanced to Expert in Word, Powerpoint, and Excel
Cox Media Group is built on a 100-year legacy of blazing trails in the world of media. Over that time, we've covered war and peace, tragedies and celebrations, small moments and global movements. Our company has thrived, all while local news and world events have continued to reshape our society. Until 2019, CMG was a part of Cox Enterprises. Today, we are an independent media company-a legacy brand with a startup mentality - and you can be part of the next chapter at CMG. We are an equal opportunity employer.#LI-AK1


Today at the Lightship Summit, we’re excited to announce the team from SpotX Games, a Miami-based augmented reality gaming startup that makes Web3 and NFTs accessible to all, is now part of the Niantic family. SpotX Games has built a following in the Web3 community, and are aligned with Niantic’s mission to deliver fun, real-world gameplay adventures using augmented reality and encouraging community participation.
SpotX Games was founded in January 2022 when the small and mighty team of five – Galina Fendikevich, Traci Levine, Jackson Harris, Chris Daniels, and David Woodward – met at Miami Hack Week. Chris, a Miami Tech original and founder of The Shrimp Society, an organization that helps early stage founders, sponsored a “hack” house that brought together coders and creatives from a variety of backgrounds. In a brainstorming session, a shared vision came together: to create a scavenger hunt across the different “hack” houses where players were tasked with finding hidden QR codes that held NFTs and collecting as many as they could. Shrimp Games, as it was dubbed, was the talk of Hack Week and motivated the team to stay together and start work on what is now SpotX Games.
Having its footprint in Miami allowed SpotX to tap into the growing Web3 community, experimenting with new concepts and gathering feedback from eager participants. One of these concepts would become Spot@SXSW, an interactive city-wide scavenger hunt to take place during South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Players would track down ‘Spots’ where interactive AR events would be happening in five different categories – music, film, tech, food, and local – to collect coins and rack up points in hopes of winning one of several prizes and earning their own unique NFT featuring a colorful map of their journey across the city.
As SpotX was developing this new game for SXSW, they had a chance to meet Niantic’s John Hanke and Dan Morris. The team impressed with its creative use of blockchain technology and NFTs to engage people while making this emerging technology approachable through a simple web interface, perfect for those who were new to this space or wanted to get involved but didn’t know where to start.
The SpotX Games team officially joined Niantic in February and set its sights on building out Spox@SXSW with the support and backing of Niantic. The game was a hit with event organizers, who saw the potential to leverage SpotX’s approach at future events to deliver a more interactive experience that allowed attendees to get outside and discover more of downtown Austin. SpotX Games, in a short period of time, has shown they understand how to build authentic, fun, and creative experiences that can stand alone, while at the same time providing accessibility and bringing utility to Web3 and NFTs.
Attendees at this week’s Lightship Summit in San Francisco will get to experience SpotX’s new game MYNE, a cryptic outdoor scavenger hunt where players are on the hunt for NFTs that are minted as a seed phase and used as ciphers to help solve the final puzzle. With the puzzle completed, players earn a special piece of swag and get to keep the final NFT as a memento of their unique experience.
We couldn’t be more excited to have them as part of the Niantic family and to see what types of experiences we can build together to unlock the potential and power of Web3 for our community.
Phil Keslin, Niantic CTO


Capturing and showcasing the stars is a truly magical process. While I’ve attempted this technique multiple times, “Pier of Dreams,” is my first successful astrophotography image to be released. A lot of work goes into photographing and producing this type of shot and the unique conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic made for an especially rare opportunity. The combination of no boats on the water or at the buoys, very little light pollution due to the shelter in place order, and perfectly calm waters, allowed me the opportunity to showcase the Milky way in an unparalleled style.
Night photography is a time consuming process. Composing in the pitch black, focusing on tiny pinpoints of light, and capturing multiple long exposure of the stars and pier (for my stacking technique) all require a great deal of time and patience. During this process I was completely enthralled by the peaceful silence of the night, the brightness of the stars and the eerily still water gently lapping at the shoreline. My hope, as a photographer, is to embrace the moments and emotions, sharing the experience with others through my work. The sense of peace and rejuvenation I felt while I was on the pier was something I’d sorely missed. So much in fact, that I had to come back a day later and try to recreate the sense of calm I’d encountered.
With “Morning Bliss,” the second image of this pier, I embraced another technique that is somewhat new to me, a 3 min exposure using a 10 stop neutral density filter. The dreamy effect of a long exposure on the clouds and water created stunning reflections and a feeling of serenity. Once again the lack of boats, people and incredibly calm waters were a wonder to experience and capture.
While we all go through these difficult times it’s important to find what grounds you, rejuvenates you and brings you joy. Nature does that for me every single time. I hope you’re able to give it the chance to do the same for you.


There are many baby monitors to pick from, but which baby monitor will help you stress less and sleep more.
The best baby monitors will give the parent peace of mind and allow the child to get an undisturbed sleep.
Sneaking in to check on the sleeping little one has always come with the risk of waking them up. Which is why baby monitors are the sensible way to keep an eye on your baby.
Choosing the best baby monitors
Tasked with choosing just one monitor we would dismiss the more traditional baby monitors, like two-way audio baby monitors or video monitors and pick a more tec solution.
We think the Liip wearable smart monitor is the safest way to monitor your baby without going into baby’s room and due to its high tec solution it is the baby monitor Singapore parents will love.
« This new tech gives parents the ability to monitor their child’s heart rate, temperature and oxygen levels. »
The baby monitor is in a comfortable wearable bracelet that sends all the information to your mobile phone, you can set up alerts and even easily share all this data with a medical professional.
The European medical team that have created this wearable baby monitor have designed it to help reassure parents as they felt that and audio or visual monitor offered insufficiently comfort for new parents.
We feel it provides the perfect level of caution, it allows you to enjoy your time away from the baby while know they are happy and content.
An expert opinion
We asked our baby expert Jess for her thoughts on this innovative baby monitor.
« When it comes to the Liip Baby Monitor, I think it’s important to note that this wearable does much more than just breakdown basic vitals – it gives a comprehensive real-time display of your baby’s pulse, blood oxygen and distal temperature with the same accuracy you’d expect of hospital equipment.
The fact the Liip Baby Monitor is the only wearable to offer these three readings, as well as advice on how to proceed, is a true innovation in childcare – especially for parents bringing home premature babies. It takes the burden away from new mums who often feel torn between being over-cautious and not cautious enough. The fact that real-time data can be directed not just to parent’s apps, but also to their paediatrician – as well as storing data history – makes potential health concerns easy to spot and address.
It’s for all these reasons The Liip Baby Monitor complies with the stringent RoHS and Reach regulations for use in babies and children. This is no fad accessory, it’s an invisible guardian angel for both babies and parents – and one that’s sure to become just as essential to childcare as a smoke alarm is to house security. I honestly believe this is the future of modern care for babies and children. »
Find out more about the Liip Smart Baby Monitor and why we think it is the baby monitor Singapore families should choose.
Do you need a baby monitor?
Even for parents who co-sleep or live in a small space a baby monitor is the perfect tool help keep an eye on your baby while you get on with other things like, resting, sleeping, chores or having some quality time with your partner.
With a monitor, you don’t have to hang around the nursery waiting for noise or sign of discomfort from your little and you don’t have to risk waking the baby when curiosity gets the better of you. Any baby monitor you choose should give you peace of mind.
Which is the best baby monitor to choose?
There are four types of baby monitors in Singapore that you can purchase. The one to choose is the one that makes you feel safest about leaving your baby unattended while they sleep in their room.
Baby Audio Monitor – This allows the parent to just listen to the baby via a two-way radio.
Baby Video Monitor – This device shows an audio and visual feed on a small video monitor.
Baby Matt Monitor – You place the matt under babies sheet and it monitors heart rate and room temperature.
Baby Wearable Smart Monitor – A device like this is worn like a bracelet and monitors heart rate, distal temperature and blood oxygen levels.
Pros and cons of baby monitors
When buying a baby monitor you need to consider many things, such as the layout of your house, how thick your walls are, wifi strength and what you want it to monitor the baby for?
To help we have come up with the pros and cons of each baby monitor:
Baby Audio Monitor
These are the oldest design of baby monitor. These baby monitors plug into the wall or run on batteries and are placed in the two rooms you are using and act as a short distance two-way audio open radio channel.
The pros are they are the cheapest option and don’t rely on a wifi connection.
The cons are that the range isn’t very big so if you live in a large house the connectivity may be compromised, similarly if you have thick walls. Battery life is always an issue in modern-day life so pick one with a long battery life. The other downside is you spend a lot of the time trying to interpret minor snuffles and coughs so it can be quite disturbing if our trying to rest. And if your baby really wants you that cry will be heard without an audio monitor.
Baby Video Monitor
The video is currently one of the most popular baby monitors in Singapore. Up until now, these were the cutting edgy of baby surveillance tech making up a part of the IOT. They either work on sort wave frequency or through online connectivity broadcasting from a camera to video baby and microphone located in the baby’s room to a receiver where you are.
Pros with this style of baby monitors are that you get to see your cute baby sleeping without entering the room and that you can check in if you are away from home.
The cons of a video one are the screens are sometimes poor quality when what you want is something crystal clear. You will need a night light in the baby’s room unless you upgrade to a night vision video monitor. Like an audio one you are looking for clues to indicate the wellbeing of your baby but this time you have a video feed to try to interpret. Then there is the wifi, so if you live in a slow area or a high use house you may end up with a slow feed. We had one of these baby monitors and we would always end up nipping into the room to see if the wifi was keeping up or if baby was just sleeping incredibly still.
Baby Matt Monitor
In theory, a great solution to the problem of monitoring baby. A matt the baby sleeps on that detects heart rate which is sent to a receiver that is combined with an audio monitor.
There are few pros here and the reality is that the matt doesn’t deliver.
The cons are that babies wriggle a lot so are constantly slipping off the matt and giving false readings, setting off alarms and not providing the reassurance and peace of mind the parents want.
Baby Wearable Smart Monitor
Now that the wearable monitors are here they are set to be the best baby monitors in Singapore. They deliver everything you need for complete reassurance when you leave your baby to sleep.
Pros, the wearable monitor is unintrusive and provides you with reliable and reassuring data that is crystal clear and needs no interpretation. The best wearable monitor provides you with information on heart rate, distal temperature and oxygen levels. You can set reliable alerts that are delivered to your smartphone so you don’t have to do the monitoring. The date can also be used by medical professionals to monitor babies who are unwell or need support.
There are few cons with this style of baby monitor, the biggest is you don’t get to see you cute babies face, but you could go old school and carry a photo around in your bag!


Debunking the Myth of Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana
Over the past few years, a persistent myth has circulated in the media and among the public: the idea that marijuana is being laced with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. This myth has caused widespread fear and concern, particularly given the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in the United States. However, a thorough investigation into this claim has revealed that the concept of fentanyl-laced marijuana is largely a myth. This article will delve into the reasons why such practices are not economically viable for dealers, and why the distinct markets for cannabis and opioids make this unlikely.
The Economics of Fentanyl and Marijuana
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is typically used in medical settings for severe pain management, but it has also been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths due to its potency and the fact that it is often mixed with other drugs. On the other hand, marijuana is a plant-based substance that is used recreationally and medicinally, and it is not associated with overdose deaths.
The price disparity between fentanyl and marijuana is significant. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a kilogram of fentanyl can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, while a kilogram of marijuana costs around $1,000. Given this price difference, it would not make economic sense for dealers to lace marijuana with a more expensive substance like fentanyl.
The Distinct Markets for Cannabis and Opioids
Another factor that debunks the myth of fentanyl-laced marijuana is the distinct markets for cannabis and opioids. These two substances cater to different consumer bases, with different usage patterns and preferences. The majority of marijuana users use the drug for its calming and euphoric effects, while opioid users are typically seeking a more intense, pain-relieving high. Mixing these two substances would not only be financially unviable for dealers, but it would also likely deter marijuana users who are not seeking the effects of opioids.
Case Studies and Statistics
Despite the widespread belief in the myth of fentanyl-laced marijuana, there is little evidence to support this claim. A 2017 report by the American Association of Poison Control Centers found no confirmed cases of fentanyl-laced marijuana. Similarly, a 2018 report by the DEA stated that they had not encountered any instances of fentanyl-laced marijuana in their seizures.
Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences in 2019 analyzed over 18,000 drug samples and found no instances of fentanyl in marijuana samples. These findings further debunk the myth of fentanyl-laced marijuana and highlight the importance of basing public health messages on evidence and research.
In conclusion, the myth of fentanyl-laced marijuana is largely unfounded. The significant price disparity between fentanyl and marijuana, along with the distinct markets for these substances, make it unlikely that dealers would mix these drugs. Furthermore, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this claim, with multiple studies and reports finding no instances of fentanyl-laced marijuana. It is crucial that public health messages and policies are based on evidence and research, rather than unfounded fears and myths.
- Drug Enforcement Administration. (2018). 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment.
- American Association of Poison Control Centers. (2017). Annual Report.
- Journal of Forensic Sciences. (2019). Analysis of Drug Samples Seized by Law Enforcement.


Features that once seemed extravagant, such as stand-alone capabilities or using a mobile phone to interact with your vehicle, are now beginning to become an essential part of the automotive experience,” said Tara Trompeter, editorial director of Autotrader. “Regardless of manufacturer, model or price point, we expect many of these advanced features to spread rapidly throughout the automotive industry in the near future.
This year’s advances in safety and convenience should be welcome news for car buyers. However, with so many new and attractive features, consumers should study them well in order to fully appreciate what these features bring, and when it makes sense to decide to buy.
Autotrader’s Essential Automotive Technology by 2018
Auto control activated by application
A growing number of vehicles now come with an application that allows you to honk, turn on the lights and even start the car remotely, without being near the vehicle. This functionality promises great comfort and some freedom: imagine lending your car to a friend without having to worry about leaving your keys, or leaving your keys at home when you take a long vacation and start your car in the airport garage with your phone.
For brands that offer these applications, including Ford and Chevrolet, this functionality is often included free of charge or possibly with a small subscription fee.
Advances in autonomous operation
After several years in the spotlight, stand-alone technology is having a real impact on the industry. Tesla has attracted a lot of attention in this area, but other car manufacturers like Cadillac, Nissan and Volvo have similar systems. More systems are coming online soon.
Even if you like to drive, it’s easy to see that stand-alone technology has the potential to transform the less pleasant aspects of the automotive experience, such as driving in a city with heavy traffic or on a busy road when everyone is on vacation.
Collision Avoidance Driving System
Evidence that the adoption of driver assistance technologies is increasing can be seen in the wide variety of active driving systems coming onto the market, particularly those that can be maneuvered to avoid an accident. Volvo and Lexus have recently introduced active driving systems that not only keep the vehicle in its lane but also maneuver to avoid possible collisions.
Automatic braking systems are already impressive technological feats, but collision avoidance driving systems go further by actually taking control of the steering wheel to reduce the risk of an accident.
In the past, Autotrader’s editorial team announced the safety benefits of rear view and 360-degree cameras that allow the driver to see outside the car. But now, the cameras are used for more functions than we expect. The latest Honda Odyssey, for example, has a feature called “CabinWatch” that uses a camera to see passengers.
This feature will be very useful in reducing distractions when driving, for example, by not having to look back to control unruly children, or by eliminating blind spots, as in several Cadillac models.
For years, car manufacturers have been replacing conventional instrument panel indicators such as the speedometer and the tachometer with displays, but it is only since last year that this feature has begun to reach its true potential. We are especially impressed with the Audi’s Virtual Booth, which is basically like a second infotainment screen, only this time it appears just below your line of sight, which means you barely have to take your eyes off the road.
These displays with grouped indicators will be more useful and more configurable, offering more than typical readings such as speed, mileage, and fuel level.
Better Bluetooth capabilities
Connecting to Bluetooth in the car has become easier and easier over the years, and car manufacturers are reaching new levels in 2018. For example, the newest Honda Accord comes with a feature that lets you touch your phone (Android) to a dot on the instrument panel and connect instantly. With this new feature, it’s easier than ever to put your phone aside and concentrate on driving.
A growing number of vehicles are adding wireless charging bases to their central consoles and interiors. This means that you only need to


Yakima Valley’s Fortuity Cellars announces new winemaker, Alexis Sells
WAPATO, WASH. – Fortuity Cellars, one of Yakima Valley’s newest wineries, announced today that winemaker Alexis Sells will join them later this month. Sells has most recently been on the winemaking team of Napa-based Duckhorn Vineyards and has roots in the Washington wine industry.
“Lexi’s experience making wine in three of the world’s top wine-producing regions will certainly contribute greatly to our efforts to produce some of the state’s highest quality wines,” said Emily Fergestrom, co-owner of Fortuity Cellars. “We are thrilled to have Lexi part of Team Fortuity and know she is going to be a tremendous asset not only to us, but also to Yakima Valley and Washington wine.”
Sells grew up in Spokane, Wash., a city surrounded by agriculture, so it was only natural for her to venture into winemaking. She first learned of winemaking as a career at age 16 when her sister’s friend was a candidate for the Enology and Viticulture Program at Walla Walla Community College (WWCC).
“My initial draw to the wine industry was getting involved with the vineyards,” said Sells. “Once I worked my first harvest and I saw firsthand the grape juice start to ferment and release these incredible aromas, I was hooked.”
Sells attended the WWCC Enology and Viticulture program where she spent four harvests working with Walla Walla-based wineries and custom crush facilities (Bergevin Lane, Dusted Valley, College Cellars, Artifex, Isenhower and M&L Productions). After graduation, she travelled to New Zealand to work at Villa Maria where they produced everything from traditional Sauvignon Blanc to more obscure varietals like Arneis and Verdehlo. Following her international stint, Sells was hired by Duckhorn in Napa County, Calif., as a lab technician and then worked her way up over the past four years to help manage the Duckhorn Vineyards brand, including oversight over their Chardonnay program.
“I’m excited to return back to Washington where my love of wine began,” said Sells, now ready to take on her 10th harvest this year. “Yakima is the center of everything Washington has to offer: amazing wine, skiing, hiking, beer, camping and rafting. I’m really looking forward to working with Emily and Lee as we focus in on and uncover all that Yakima Valley Wine Country has to offer.”
Fortuity Cellars is a relative newcomer to the wine industry with its first harvest in 2017 and first bottling in 2018. Owners Emily and Lee Fergestrom were recently named the 2019 Rising Startup for the state of Washington by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and their initial wines are already receiving top honors from the Washington Wine Awards, Wine Enthusiast, Cascadia International Wine Competition, Great NW Invitational and Savor NW. They source their grapes exclusively from Yakima Valley growers, all of which are family-owned. Their wine portfolio consists of both Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, with bottles ranging from $24-42. Their new winery production facility, tasting room and outdoor gardens in the Wapato area of Yakima County is set to open next month. For more information about Fortuity Cellars, visit www.fortuitycellars.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @fortuitycellars.


This month is Nutrition Month in elementary schools with the aim of promoting the right eating habits among Filipino children. Sadly, kids these days grow up in a culture that promotes bad eating habits: fastfoods, junk foods and processed food. This month, this blog will feature a series of entries on Nutrition for Children.
We will begin with studies about Junk Food. This is based on studies conducted by a team of scientists headed by Dr Alexandra Richardson, from Oxford University’s department of physiology. Some parts are from Livestrong.
Junk Food is Bad for Their Brain:
Junk food is known to cause hyperactive pupils with attention deficiency.
Diets high in processed foods are causing bad behaviour and learning difficulties in children, scientists have warned. They claim junk food stops the brain working properly, leading to underachievement and a host of disorders. Thousands of children given medication to combat attention deficit disorder might be better off simply improving their diet, according to the research. The Oxford University study showed that giving children essential fats found in fish and nuts could improve their brain power. In the study, around 40 per cent of children given omega-3 supplements made dramatic improvements in reading and spelling.
Junk foods not only lack the vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that boost brain power but actually reduce the body’s uptake of nutrients that improve concentration. There was also a significant improvement in concentration and behaviour, according to a report in this month’s issue of the American journal Pediatrics.
Junk Food is Bad for the Body
There is no such thing as fortified junk food. That is a hoax and scam created by the food industry to fool teachers and parents. Processed food is junk. Period. Any fortification is like applying perfume because the person is not taking a bath. What are the common effects of junk food diet.
Weight Problems (either obese or underweight children)
Processed foods, usually salt, preservatives, and refined sugar, tend to be major contributors to excess calorie intake because they’re easily accessible cheaply in large portions — enjoyable to the taste buds, but not very filling or nutritious. As a result, a diet rich in junk foods is linked with an unhealthy weight. Research published in a 2006 issue of the “Journal of Adolescent Health” showed that teens are at even greater risk of picking up unhealthy eating habits as they become more independent. According to the study, teens who skip breakfast and eat larger quantities of fast food are increasingly likely to gain weight.
Trans fats are commonly found in fast food, doughnuts, toaster pastries, stick margarine, cakes, candy, crackers and microwave popcorn. These fats, which are produced by hydrogenating oil, are linked to heart disease risks such as high cholesterol and blood fats. Children who start consuming trans fats by age 3 or 4 are likely to develop heart disease earlier than children who don’t consume trans fats, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Most people do not develop heart disease until their 40s or later, but children as young as 8 have exhibited heart disease risk factors. By limiting your child’s intake of trans fats, you can help reduce his risk of having heart attacks and strokes later in life.
Increased Tooth Decay
Increased sugar consumption is one major culprit in tooth decay in kids. Sugar that lingers on teeth helps bacteria grow on the teeth, and the acids produced by the bacteria cause decay. Sugary junk foods such as gummy candies might be more obvious causes, but many sugary liquids such as soda and fruit juice cocktails can also lead to tooth decay. Your child or teen might indulge her sweet tooth from time to time, but cut back on regular intake of sugary treats. Also encourage healthy teeth brushing habits and don’t allow her to sleep or walk around with a sippy cup full of sugary beverages — even milk and fruit juice — to further reduce her risk of tooth decay.
Junk Food is Bad for the Environment
All those non-biodegradable packaging materials – plastics – contribute to environmental degradation.
Junk Food is Bad for Your Budget
You are spending for something that eventually will damage your children. That is such as waste of money.


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 03 | 1:30 p.m. Kickoff
@FAMOUS DAVE’S BBQ | 1135 Airway Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925
Join the El Paso Texas Exes and Longhorn fans in El Paso to watch the Horns fight the Mountaineers at Famous Dave’s on Airway Saturday at 1:30 PM.
Copyright © 2023 Texas Exes El Paso Chapter.
Website by Ultima Media Arts.


Like holidays in the West, Ramadan generates its own forms of nostalgia for the joys of Ramadans past. This nostalgia attaches not just to the month’s religious aspect, but to all the shared experiences that Ramadan holds, such as traditional foods, family meals, late nights around the TV or the shisha pipe, last minute dashes for sohour — and in the realm of popular culture, the special TV programming as well.
In this context, the phenomenon of Ramadan mosalsals (TV programs) is well-known. As the explanation goes, with so many people in a post-iftar daze and trying to stay up late hours until sohour, the nights of Ramadan are prime hours for TV viewing. Accordingly, Arab TV networks release their most ambitious serials at this time of year.
The month of fasting is thus also a feast of TV options, some of which reinforce the Islamic identity of the month (e.g. Omar), some of which revive a glorious Arab past (Saqr Quraish, Haroun al-Rashid), some evoke Arab nationalist feeling of modern times (Layali al-Hilmiyya, Bab al-Hara), and some aim to be more topical (Al Gharabeeb Al Soud, Mawlana). This is not to mention all the mosalsals that are pure melodrama, simple comedy or full-on imitations of American TV.
But there was another form of Ramadan programming that somehow managed to combine all these themes in one surreal mix: the fawazeer (فوازير). In essence, the fawazeer programs were a short 10-minute variety show containing dance numbers and sketches that present an affectionate pastiche of Egyptian popular culture of the pre-satellite TV era. The core of each fawazeer episode revolved around a riddle that the audience was asked to solve, usually anchored to a specific theme for the entire 30-episode season.
Although the tradition of fawazeer stretches back to the 1950s and continues even to this day through occasional efforts at revival, the peak of the fawazeer programming is widely considered to be the series presented by Nelly and then Sherihan in the 1980s and 1990s. Above all in Egypt, but also in other parts of the Arab world, they form part of the childhood nostalgia of the generation that would grow up to lead the Arab Spring.
Industry Arabic is celebrating this Ramadan by translating the full collection of riddles from the 1981 season starring Nelly, titled “al-Khatba” (الخاطبة). Considered one of the best seasons of the fawazeer, this series presents Nelly in the role of the professional matchmaker. In each episode, Nelly proposes a new potential suitor to an aspiring bride and her family in the form of a riddle describing his profession. For example, the riddle of the first episode goes:
|Whether you own shops or tracts
Write for a living or act
ُEven married or single
You owe him a bill —
This lifelong bureaucrat
أهل الدكاكين والفدادين
تعمل له حساب
وفي المأمورية بقى له سنين
The expected answer here is “tax collector.” As part of the humor of the episode, in each case the father replies to the riddle saying, “al-gawaza di mish laazim titim” (this marriage must not take place) followed by the girl wailing “But I love him, daddy” — an age-old dialogue that still rings true in patriarchal Egypt.
But beyond the fascination that Fawazeer Nelly hold as a touchstone of popular culture, they have their own literary significance as well, in that they were written by none other than the beloved colloquial poet Salah Jaheen. Although Jaheen is most known for his collection of Rubaiyat (a poetry collection in Egyptian dialect that many Egyptians can still quote by heart), he was an omnipresent influence in the Egypt of the Nasser and Sadat era. As a daily cartoonist for Al Ahram, lyricist for songs of Abdel Halim Hafez, screenwriter behind the blockbuster hit Khali Balak Men Zuzu, and playwright of works for Cairo’s puppet theater, there is little from that epoch that Salah Jaheen didn’t have a hand in. In this context, the fawazeer represent the intersection between Jaheen’s literary output as a leading colloquial poet and his broader gift for creating artifacts of popular culture that resonate with Egyptians of all classes.
In the spirit of the traditional Ramadan serial, we’ll be publishing the translation of one new riddle every day during Ramadan. This translation represents the first time these fawazeer will be translated into English. As such, we hope to rekindle the fond memories these programs hold for many across the Arab world, while at the same time bringing their joy and humor to a whole new audience.